Painting studio built more than 100 years for art college in Walsall town centre could be turned into flats
Empty offices in a Walsall town centre building originally created for an art college could be converted into apartments.
High Gate Developments Limited are looking to transform the first floor space of the property in Goodall Street, which are above existing shops, to create five one and two-bedroom flats.
The developer said there isn’t the demand for office space in Walsall town centre any more, prompting the application for permission to convert.
Walsall Council planning officers are currently considering the proposal and are expected to make a decision next month.
The property was built more than 100 years ago and intended as a painting studio for the old art college but was later converted into offices and shops.
Plans to convert the space into residential use were given the go-ahead back in 2015 but were shelved and remained as offices instead.
A planning statement said: “The applicant wishes to create high quality flat units suitable for medical and care staff as it is well positioned to Walsall town. The flats proposed are one and two bed units with a spacious layout.
“The building was designed as a painting studio in an Art College; so is well lit using natural light particularly from the large front windows. The proposed layout is based on each bedroom and lounge/kitchen having an existing (large) window.
“The existing building is of two storeys and built around 1920 and is a brick built structure with large windows with stone surrounds and a pitched slate roof. No external alterations are proposed.
“The first floor has been used as office accommodation for a number of decades until recently. The first floor and the two access stairs is under one freehold (the applicant).
“The ground floor is separately leased to retail premises. There is a rear surfaced yard with vehicular access and to the rear is a large multi-storey car park.
“In 2015 a Prior Approval application was granted for similar conversion to five flats. The personal circumstances of the applicants changed and the premises remained as offices.
“The current owner has concluded that there is little demand for town centre office space and it is desirable to convert the upper floor to residential use.”
