New proposals have been submitted to transform a prominent but long-empty landmark building in West Bromwich into more than 100 residential flats, potentially ending a decade of vacancy.
Reviving a Historic Building
Developer Brickstone has lodged an application with Sandwell Council to redevelop Society House, the former headquarters of the West Bromwich Building Society, into 101 one and two-bedroom apartments. The seven-storey art deco structure, purpose-built for the building society in the 1960s, has stood vacant since 2016 when the organisation relocated to new offices at Providence Place in the town.
A Decade of Stalled Development
The building's recent history has been marked by false starts and financial difficulties. Empire Developments purchased the property for £3 million in 2016 and secured planning permission for 92 flats in 2017, followed by approval for 98 flats in 2018. Work commenced in 2022, with the interior stripped back to its structural shell, but progress halted completely when Empire Developments collapsed in 2024, reportedly owing £500,000.
New Proposal Details
The fresh application from Brickstone outlines a scheme that aims to preserve much of the original building fabric. A statement accompanying the plans confirms the intention to retain the existing building envelope and core structure, including the central stair and lift core. All proposed apartments are designed to meet the nationally described space standards (NDSS).
The majority of units will be one-bedroom layouts, with two-bedroom apartments incorporated in areas where spatial or circulation constraints make single-bedroom configurations impractical. The design approach seeks to minimise visual impact on the landmark structure.
Building Enhancement Plans
As part of the construction phase, the proposals include cleaning the building's cladding and installing new windows. These measures are intended not only to facilitate the conversion but also to help the renovated building achieve current building regulations and standards. The development represents a significant opportunity to breathe new life into a prominent High Street location that has been underutilised for years.
The application now awaits consideration by Sandwell Council's planning department, which will assess the proposals against local planning policies and conservation considerations for the distinctive art deco building.
