Hotel plan for site falls through

Ambitious plans to transform Dudley's Cavendish House by creating a hotel on the site have stalled, it was revealed today.

Talks had started with an unnamed hotel chain interested in redeveloping the derelict site next to the Dudley Southern Bypass two months ago but they have now fallen through.

Now its owners have admitted they are no closer to finding anyone to take it over and have been forced to renew a planning application for a health centre – although they insist all options for its future are open.

The building in Trindle Road has stood empty since a security firm moved out in 2008.

It was originally part of the masterplan for the town's regeneration but struggled to attract interested parties following the recession.

Associate director of owners Abstract Developments Muhammad Hassan said in April that discussions were at an early stage but had been "positive".

But today he admitted that the firm is searching for interested parties again.

The firm had already met up with hotel chains in 2008 but no progress was made. Planning permission was granted in 2008 to demolish the building and replace it with a health centre complex, cafe, creche, pharmacy and meeting facilities.

An application has been made to Dudley Council for a time extension on those plans, but Mr Hassan says that does not mean they are now a priority.

The time period had run out to get the work started, he said, so the plans had to be re-submitted.

In 2008 a second set of plans for the Trindle Road site comprising a new, modern office block complete with car parking were also given the go-ahead – giving the owners a choice.

But instead the site has remained empty as firms have been put off by the building's location and the cost of development.

Mr Hassan said: "We remain positive that an investor will be found but it is taking time."