A crumbling block of empty shops and flats in Streetly dubbed “little Beirut” in the past could be transformed into a parade of new cafes and shops, it’s been revealed.

Boundary Court is being renovated to the tune of £300,000 after complaints of more than a decade from residents living nearby. And a change of use is being sought to allow a wider range of businesses to set up home at the building once it is complete. It could include financial and professional services, restaurants and cafes and hot food takeaways.

In a report to council officers, John Jowitt from Birmingham based PJP Planning, which is coming up with designs said: “The Boundary Court building has been in a poor state for a number of years with the shop element now completely vacant.

“Various options have been considered for the site, including complete redevelopment, but are not presently considered to be feasible.

“Both apartments and shop premises are now being renovated and as part of this process this is seeking to widen the potential range of uses that can be carried on in the shops at the site in order to secure occupants. It is unrealistic to expect all eight shops will be used as shops and as wide an assortment as possible of retail uses is therefore sought in order to support the vitality of the shopping area over time.”

A petition signed by 1,200 people calling for action to be taken at Boundary Court was handed to Walsall Council in December 2007.

The building, off Boundary Road, has eight ground-floor shop units and 16 flats, which are split equally between the first and second floors.

Discussions had taken place previously between the council and the building’s two owners but no agreement was reached, which led to the cabinet asking officers to pursue a compulsory purchase order.

Councillor Eddie Hughes for Streetly ward, said council staff had looked into buying it, but were put off by the downturn in the economy. And concerns that the council may not have been able to sell it on to a property developer in the current climate.

“We will make sure the shops that are going there will be appropriate for the area to alleviate concerns about possible alcohol sales,” Councillor Hughes said.