Overstrand to be pulled down

An eyesore Walsall landmark which was once the heart of the town's music scene is to be finally ripped from the skyline, regeneration chiefs have promised.

The Overstrand – built above Digbeth in the 1960s – has been branded an eyesore and plans to demolish it have been in the pipeline for more than 12 years.

But council leader, Councillor John O'Hare, said it was time to bring down the former nightclub and restaurant "once and for all".

It once hosted rising stars including indie legends The Charlatans, who played their first gig there in 1988.

Councillor O'Hare refused to be drawn on a removal timescale but said talks were well under way with owners Threadneedle about when to dispose of it.

Demolition of The Overstrand will kickstart long-awaited regeneration of Digbeth, which will include a revamp of Digbeth Square and an overhaul of Old Square Shopping Centre.

Councillor O'Hare said: "I am confident we are going to resolve this once and for all." He said it was hoped demolition plans would come hot on the heels of a planning application for the redevelopment nearby Shannon's Mill, which is due within three months.

"I won't be happy to be still talking about this years down the line, it is time to come up with a comprehensive solution." The empty building, also formerly a restaurant, has been out of use for more than a decade and called one of the worst eyesores in the country.

Various demolition plans never came to fruition.