Ambitious plans have been tabled to transform a disused police training facility in Smethwick into a major new residential development aimed at key workers. A formal planning application has been submitted to Sandwell Council, seeking permission to convert the former Windmill House police centre into a substantial 76-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
From Police Training to Key Worker Accommodation
The proposed development focuses on the three-storey Windmill House, a utilitarian concrete structure dating from the 1970s. For decades, the building served West Midlands Police, providing essential training and accommodation facilities. It was declared surplus to requirements and subsequently sold to MNP Investment Holdings in June 2023.
The new scheme is specifically tailored to address local housing needs for essential staff. The development is designed to provide homes for healthcare workers and young professionals, with a particular emphasis on supporting the workforce at the nearby Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. This major hospital facility opened its doors in 2024 and is located approximately 500 metres from the site, promoting easy, car-free access for its employees.
Sustainable Retrofit and Design Details
In a move aligned with modern environmental principles, the developer intends to retrofit the existing building rather than demolish it. This strategy aims to significantly reduce the project's embodied carbon footprint and adhere to circular economy practices by preserving the original structure's fabric.
Each of the 76 proposed rooms will be self-contained, featuring a private en-suite shower room and a dedicated workspace. To maximise living space, the design incorporates clever integrated furniture solutions, such as pull-down beds, and built-in storage throughout the living areas.
On-site parking will see a reduction as part of the plan, aligning with the goal of promoting sustainable transport. The current provision of 47 car parking spaces will be cut to 23, encouraging future residents to utilise the site's proximity to the hospital and local public transport links.
Part of a Wider Smethwick Regeneration
This conversion project is not happening in isolation. It forms a component of broader regeneration efforts sweeping through the Smethwick area, which include proposals for hundreds of new homes and a new school. The sale of Windmill House also follows a pattern of West Midlands Police disposing of several other surplus properties in the region, including former stations in Smethwick and Oldbury.
The planning application now rests with Sandwell Council's planning committee, who will assess the proposal's merits and its fit within the local development framework. If approved, the project will repurpose a vacant brownfield site into much-needed accommodation for those vital to the community's health and services.
