Listed Sandwell College site to return as homes
A Grade II-listed college targeted by arsonists will be renovated – while part of a listed school building at the same site is to be flattened.
The move comes under new plans for 178 homes in Smethwick.
The scheme for the former Sandwell College and Crocketts Lane Primary School site has been hailed by council leader Darren Cooper as a key part of the regeneration of the area.
The ambitious proposals would see the former technical college building and two old school structures brought back to life and turned into 93 flats. Developers have said they are looking to partially bulldoze part of the locally listed former junior school, as well as building 85 homes.
Arsonists have targeted the site in the past, according to ward councillor Cooper.
The plans have been submitted to the authority by ESRG Developments Ltd.
Councillor Cooper said: "From the time Sandwell College moved out we've been pressing for some action on that site and further investment is great news.
"If you look at the area as a whole – with the new hospital going ahead as well – that part of Smethwick is looking at multi-million pound investment.
"We are talking about the best part of £500 million worth of investment in that area with work on the three tower blocks due to be completed, the hospital, and the fire station as well."
Councillor Cooper said he was optimistic the 'beautiful' site could be returned to its former glories and become a jewel in the crown for Smethwick.
He added: "It's a beautiful site and overlooks Victoria Park and the park pool. But the site has also been subject to vandalism.
"Some of the buildings there are very old and they have been targeted by arsonists who tried to burn them down. They are high quality homes and hopefully will attract professional people."
All the buildings are from the early 20th Century.
The college's Crocketts Lane campus falls within the High Street and Crocketts Lane Conservation Area. The main block is statutory listed grade II, which has to be retained and form part of any ongoing scheme. Two further buildings have been locally listed by the planning authority and are worthy of preservation.
The Smethwick campus closed in 2012.
