Historic site for a new community

A young woman born at the former Wordsley Hospital in Stourbridge, is literally returning to her roots after buying a new home on the development that's replaced it.

What's more, it's been built by her father, managing director of Taylor Wimpey West Midlands, who was also born there. The developer is transforming the historic hospital site into a contemporary new community.

Sian Symons, 22, has bought her first home at Lawnswood Ride off Stream Road after graduating from Cardiff University.

She recently returned to the Black Country to take up teacher training (ultimately for a position at Sandwell Academy) and could think of no better place to call home, than the place where it all began.

She explains: "Cardiff is a great city, but I was always going to come back, so when my partner, Craig Cannings and I decided to get a place together there was no competition. It's a fantastic location, still very aspirational, with lots of picturesque open space worked into the overall development layout."

John Symons originates from Gornal Wood too and has fond memories.

He explains: "Sian was one of the last to be born in the annexes but towards the end of 1988 they opened a new maternity wing which was state-of-the-art for the time. We're now building family homes on the same spot and I find that very gratifying.

Proud

"I'm proud of my roots and the area so when this prime site became available for development almost four years ago when Wordsley Hospital closed, the chance to breathe new life into the locality was too good to miss and I'm pleased that we've been able to maintain the mature trees the area is known for.

"The best parts of the old building like the famous clock tower are also being retained and restored."

Lawnswood Ride is a bespoke selection of 86 properties (of which 95 per cent is now sold). It is made up of four, five and six bedroomed detached properties, three storey, three/four bedroom townhouses plus designer apartments, many of which overlook open spaces.

The last homes available are made up of two, two bedroom Ragley apartments from £109,500 and two Knighton four bedroomed detached homes with garages from £272,500.

Recent customer satisfaction surveys have yielded perfect marks with 100 per cent of customers saying they would 'recommend the company to family and friends'.

Taylor Wimpey West Midlands also achieved the highest group score at 94 per cent nationwide from 23 regional businesses.

The sales centre off Auckland Road is open Thursday to Monday from 10am-5pm, visit the website or call 08450 263 931 for details.