Go-ahead given to sale of Dudley council buildings
The first stage of plans to raise around £3.5 million from the sale of 12 council buildings in Dudley have been given the go-ahead.
The local authority is looking to create 90 new homes in the town centre by converting its existing offices.
The first of these are two semi-detached three-storey buildings – 4-5 and 6-7 Ednam Road.
The late Victorian/early Edwardian properties have been earmarked for a total of 22 flats.
Proposals for the two schemes were approved by councillors last night, who welcomed the scheme.
Councillor Colin Wilson said: "These properties can easily be converted into flats."
Properties in St James's Road and Priory Court are also set to be converted and sold off. Bosses say the sale of the 12 buildings will net Dudley Council around £467,000 per year in savings.
They are all located in the Dudley town centre conservation area.
They will be part of the town's residential quarter.
Dudley Council leader David Sparks has previously said that high street shops would be boosted by more people living in the town centre.
He says the move could help fill empty buildings, including some retail premises, while increasing footfall for existing stores.
Figures reveal the £467,000 annual savings from the sale of buildings represents 20 per cent of the council's current annual property running costs of £2.3 million.
The buildings that staff will continue to use as office space are the main council house building, the large office building also in Ednam Road along with 3 to 5 and 7 St James's Road as well as 8 Parsons Street.
