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Transformation of Dudley's old Guest Hospital under way

Building work has started on more than 150 homes at a landmark former Black Country hospital site.

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After three months readying the former Guest Hospital in Dudley developer Wates Living Space Homes yesterday got work under way in earnest.

Wates is working alongside Dudley Council and the Homes and Communities Agency to overhaul the site.

The scheme has been named Butler's Crescent in tribute to the renowned Black Country architect, Albert Thomas Butler, who was responsible for modifications to the previous hospital building.

An artist's impression of how the site could look once work is finished
An artist's impression of how the site could look once work is finished

The development will be made up of 127 new build homes, 30 refurbished properties and the full restoration of the locally listed former porter's lodge. Architect Armstrong Burton has designed the project and construction is due to be finished in summer 2019.

Wates managing director Joanne Jamieson said: "Commencing work on site brings to fruition years of careful planning and will see us deliver a significant project for Dudley that will provide high quality, affordable and energy efficient homes for the area.

"We will be using our presence to create training and employment opportunities for the local community and will draw on a network of local businesses from Dudley and the Black Country to help us deliver the scheme.

"It is our express intention to ensure our role in this exciting project not only results in new housing but also generates a sustainable economic impact for the borough."

Supporting image.

Of the homes, 118 will be sold on the open market and 39 will be available for rent through Dudley MBC.

Construction on the site, across the road from the Black Country Living Museum, is set to finish in summer 2019.

The start of building work brings years of slow progress to a close.

Seven years ago the hospital was taken off the hands of the NHS by the Homes and Communities Agency for houses.

Four years ago, Wates was appointed developer, but mine shafts and limestone works forced alterations to the project.

The hospital closed more than a decade ago after most departments, including accident and emergency, moved to Russells Hall Hospital. It was built by the Earl of Dudley in 1849 for injured miners, before chainmaker Joseph Guest turned it into a hospital.

More recently the derelict and overgrown former hospital site caught the eye of filmmakers as the perfect backdrop for forthcoming post-apocalyptic horror, She Who Brings Gifts, which stars Glenn Close.