Sandwell Council to Transform Garden Centre and Police Station into 50 Affordable Flats
Sandwell Council is poised to acquire a garden centre and a former police station as part of an ambitious plan to construct around 50 new affordable flats. The Labour-led authority will discuss the proposal in a cabinet meeting scheduled for March 11 in Oldbury, aiming to address local housing needs and reduce waiting lists for council homes.
Key Sites for Redevelopment
The council is collaborating with affordable housing provider Cornerstone Housing to purchase two strategic sites. The first is the former Smethwick police station located on Piddock Road in Smethwick, which will be refurbished and converted into between 28 and 31 one and two-bedroom flats. The second site is the Green Leevs Garden Centre on Halesowen Street in Blackheath, which will be demolished to make way for approximately 22 new flats.
According to a cabinet report, these developments are designed to deliver high-quality, affordable rental homes, contributing significantly to the council's priority of meeting housing demands in the area. The report emphasizes that both locations are sustainably positioned, with excellent access to public transport, services, and town centre amenities, enhancing their suitability for residential use.
Project Timeline and Details
The redevelopment project is expected to progress swiftly, with planning applications anticipated to be submitted in spring 2026 and determinations expected by autumn 2026. Subject to necessary approvals, construction is slated to commence in late 2026 or early 2027, with an anticipated handover of the completed flats by spring 2028.
Cornerstone Housing has already agreed to terms for the purchase of the former Smethwick police station, with contracts set to be exchanged by the end of the month. Additionally, there is an informal agreement in place between Cornerstone and the owners of the Green Leevs Garden Centre to acquire that site, which is expected to be formalized soon.
Strategic Location and Community Impact
The garden centre site, while not within the designated boundary of Blackheath town centre, is in close proximity to key local amenities such as the Britannia pub and a Sainsbury's supermarket, both visible from the location. This strategic positioning underscores the council's commitment to creating sustainable living environments that integrate seamlessly with existing community infrastructure.
This initiative reflects Sandwell Council's broader efforts to tackle housing shortages and provide affordable options for residents, leveraging partnerships with organizations like Cornerstone Housing to achieve these goals efficiently and effectively.
