Retired Royal Navy commander appointed to lead Black Country Commonwealth House project
Commander Robert Jaffier will oversee plans to restore a building in Wolverhampton Road and turn it into a community hub for Commonwealth members, veterans and their families
Walsall Community Association (WCA) has appointed Commander Robert Jaffier, a retired Royal Navy officer, as project manager to support the transformation of its building at 36 Wolverhampton Road into the Black Country Commonwealth House.
His agreed responsibilities are oversight of regeneration of the site at Wolverhampton and Armed Forces engagement, with the next project milestone being to achieve local listing by January 2027.
The appointment builds on volunteer restoration work undertaken in 2025. Local residents and military helped clear the building in April, and Commonwealth military personnel joined residents in May to clear much of its interior in preparation for further restoration.
WCA have been working with several partners such as AHF, Wolverhampton University and Walsall Council to advance the restoration since May 2025 and now moves toward the project delivery phase.
The project aims to give the connection between military service and community life a permanent home. Planned activities: Designs to RIBA 3, production of Heritage statement, Conservation and Impact Assessment and further community consultation for the Commonwealth House.
Yvonne Vassell, chair of Walsall Community Association, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Robert to the team delivering the Black Country Commonwealth House project. Bringing a distinguished record of leadership and service in the Royal Navy, Robert will oversee the development and operational delivery of this important initiative as it enters its next phase. His expertise will be instrumental in progressing the project and delivering lasting benefits for Commonwealth members, veterans and their families.”
Commander Robert Jaffier said: “I am delighted and privileged to join Walsall Community Association as project manager for the delivery of Black Country Commonwealth House. This exciting and much-needed project will breathe new life into a building rich in character and architectural heritage, celebrating Walsall’s history while creating a vibrant hub for the future.
“Through its mixed-use programme, the project will provide essential services and support for members of the Commonwealth, veterans and their families in Walsall. Its strategic location and excellent transport links will also enable the facility to serve communities across the wider West Midlands, creating opportunities for connection, collaboration and inclusion.”