Bulldozing of West Bromwich tower block will go ahead
A landmark tower block in West Bromwich will be bulldozed to make way for a multi million pound redevelopment of the town centre, after plans were approved by council chiefs.
The plans submitted by the Homes and Communities Agency have been granted consent under delegated authority.
The nine storey tower along with a one and two storey block which neighbours the tower will be flattened, to make way for a modern development including apartments, shops and a hotel.
Officers approved the plan under delegated authority and granted it conservation area consent.
In the council's report it states: "The proposed demolition of the tower block would considerably enhance the appearance of the conservation area as the tower block has no architectural merit."
Development plans for the site were revealed to the public in January. The proposals would see the tower block replaced with a lower, six-storey modern building, with the ground floor housing retail units, and the upper floors having apartments, a hotel or even offices.
The new block will be lower than the neighbouring West Bromwich Building Society building, and it will be broken up by glass panels on the front. There will be a 64-space car park which will be accessed via Dartmouth Street, but there is also potential for it to be accessed off High Street.
