New calls for Citadel centre to find tenant
It cost £20 million, covers 321,000sq ft and was unveiled in a blaze of glory. But, more than three years on, the Citadel business centre remains empty.
Campaigners are now calling for an occupier for the building on the Black Country Route between Bilston, Moxley and Willenhall. The sprawling site has failed to find a tenant since it was unveiled in July 2009. Developers Goodman Group today said they were open to offers and keen to speak to potential buyers or leaseholders.
Councillor Paul Bott said it was "frustrating" to see the building still lying empty.
Councillor Bott, Independent representative for nearby Darlaston South, said: "It's very frustrating to see it empty and a good many people comment on it.
"It's on a prime route through the Black Country with great transport links.
"But this facility needs to have someone move in there and create a lot of jobs for local people including in Moxley.
"The potential for employment there is great but we need to make sure everything is being done to find a buyer."
The Citadel building is instantly recognisable for a 20ft wide metal bird of prey which adorns the front of it.
It was created by Hertfordshire-based John McKenna and was paid for by Australian pension fund Goodman Group.
A further £3m was pumped into the scheme by doomed regional development agency Advantage West Midlands.
Nigel Dolan, from Goodman, said they were willing to sell or lease the building.
"We are doing everything we can to identify an occupier for the building," he said.
"I think the only reason why it's empty is due to the economic crisis and the recession. It's in a good location and it's a good building but just because of the climate, inquiries have been few and far between."
He urged anybody interested in the building to get in touch with the agents.
