Wolverhampton's former eye infirmary sold for £1m

Wolverhampton's landmark former eye infirmary has been sold for more than £1 million, it was revealed today.

The landmark building in Chapel Ash is now in line to be brought back to life as a care home after its sale was agreed following months of negotiations.

The deal has come as a massive relief to the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, which has been forced to spend £40,000-a-year on securing the derelict building since it shut four years ago.

David Loughton, chief executive of the trust which runs the city's New Cross Hospital, said: "It has been a nightmare in terms of security costs. This is a big step forward for the city as the site is a bit of an eyesore.

"The money will go towards our capital programme, the rebuilding of New Cross Hospital.

"It is all the more important given that this has happened at a very difficult time for the property market."

Mr Loughton said the sale of the historic property, which has fallen into a state of disrepair since its closure, hinged on planning permission being granted for the site.

Former mayor Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett, who campaigned for action at the landmark site, said: "This is an extremely important site as it is the gateway to

Wolverhampton city centre for many people. I am delighted that we are seeing progress there at last."

Sources said the building sold for more than £1m and that it is now in line to become a care home.

The Eye Infirmary was closed in 2007 and services transferred to New Cross Hospital in a £4.5m move that sparked a 48,000-name petition and candlelit vigils.

The building had originally been earmarked for more than 100 flats but was put back on the market when the deal fell through.

It has since been described as one of the city's worst eyesores.