Joy as firm snaps up West Brom building

The Express & Star revealed yesterday how Bond Wolfe is moving from its home at West Plaza, in High Street, to the landmark five-storey building which will be renamed Society House. It comes after West Bromwich Building Society announced plans to uproot from its home of 160 years and relocate its headquarters and 500 staff to Dudley.

Reacting to Bond Wolfe's announcement, council leader Darren Cooper said: "We welcome the news that the building is being taken over. Bond Wolfe has a long tradition with West Bromwich.

"We are attracting big companies. That's what makes the decision by West Bromwich Building Society so difficult to stomach."

The Express & Star reported last week how the West Brom was offered land worth £650,000 for free to build a new headquarters and another plot for car parking in a bid to keep the company in the town.

"I still can't get my head around why the deal we offered did not add up for them," said Councillor Cooper.

Bond Wolfe plans to take up one of the floors of the building society's current headquarters in High Street for its commercial agency and property investment business and will let out the rest to other companies.

Asked which other firms he would like to see in the building, Councillor Cooper added: "We are trying to attract the top companies, and when you see the work that is taking place here – the new college and swimming centre – we're an attractive proposition.

"We want the blue chip but we'll never forget our proud manufacturing history and we want to attract those businesses as well. This is a centre that's open for business."

The West Brom is to leave its home of 160 years to move to The Waterfront in Brierley Hill, taking over Point North, former home of banking firm egg.