A total of 54 apartments are set to be built on the site of a rundown former landmark building in Kidderminster town centre.

The former telephone exchange in Blackwell Street is set to be transformed under the proposals put forward by David Wilson Homes. The building is in the “old” part of Kidderminster town centre.

According to the architects who have drawn up the plans it is “rundown and an eyesore”.

Traders in Blackwell Street have regularly complained about the state of the building which has stood empty since the completion of the multi-million pound Weavers Wharf canalside complex several years ago.

The scheme for the former telephone exchange involves keeping the front of the original building and knocking down several others at the back of the site.

It is not the first time plans have been put forward to re-develop the site.

Outline planning permission was granted to Malvern Estates in 2005 for 35 apartments and a new retail unit but the plans have never been taken any further.

Full planning permission was also previously given to turn the disused building into a snooker hall and a nightclub but again never became a reality.

David Wilson Homes, says this scheme was not commercially viable and is now seeking permission for an additional 19 apartments.

Parking for 43 cars is proposed underneath the apartments while 10 of the properties have been earmarked for the council’s affordable housing scheme.

Bridgnorth-based architects BBLB state in their report to planners: “The original building is not listed, but is an architecturally attractive building of local interest.”

The report adds: “The site lies in a prominent position on an important approach to the town centre and its present unused state continues to harm the surrounding environment as the building falls into disrepair.”

By Rebecca Jones