Express & Star

Plan to turn NHS offices in West Bromwich into more than 120 flats approved

A move to convert former NHS offices into more than 120 new flats has been given the seal of approval.

By Local Democracy Reporter Christian Barnett
Published

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Kingston House in West Bromwich High Street, which has been used as offices for NHS commissioning services, will be transformed into 128 flats under plans by developer TheStudios.

The small studio flats – marketed as ‘co-living accommodation’ – range in size from just over 15 to 27 square metres, and come with an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette. Shared facilities include kitchens, a communal lounge and work space, a gym, a cinema room and an outdoor terrace.

The former office building would be partially extended to accommodate more rooms, and the existing 95-space car park would be reduced to 56 spaces according to the application now approved by planners at Sandwell Council.

An artist\'s impression of the redeveloped Kingston House in West Bromwich High Street. Pic: Anjum Design. Permission for reuse for all LDRS partners.
An artist's impression of the redeveloped Kingston House in West Bromwich High Street

The 43,000 square feet of office space was put on the market at nearly £3m in 2023.

The neighbouring former office block, Metro House, previously known as Parham House, was converted into nearly 50 flats in 2018 after being sold for £1.5m.

TheStudios converted the 12-storey former Carillion offices at Construction House in Birch Street, Wolverhampton into nearly 200 flats as part of £10 million work. Now renamed Richmond House, the first of the flats opened in 2018.

Kingston House, High Street, West Bromwich. Pic: Google Maps. Permission for reuse for all LDRS partners.
Kingston House, High Street, West Bromwich

The conversion of the then-empty building, which was built in the 1960s and home to Tarmac before a demerger that created the ill-fated Carillion, included a cafe and bar and many of the shared facilities included in the developer’s plans for West Bromwich High Street.

A statement included with the application said: “We aim to replicate the success of this model by bringing much-needed affordable and luxury co-living spaces to the High Street town within West Bromwich. This proposal will bring significant private investment into West Bromwich High Street and bring old disused office spaces back into use as affordable accommodation.

“TheStudios is committed to working with and supporting local partners and businesses within the West Bromwich area. Our development would increase footfall and spending which would assist with general economic growth within the local area to support the West Bromwich town plan.”