Scene of Willenhall arson attack is finally in the hands of the council
A derelict building in Willenhall that was the scene of a suspected arson attack has been compulsory purchased by the council.
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The rundown business unit in Newhall Street near the town Centre has been empty for years and lies in an area being earmarked for re-development by Walsall Council as part of efforts to regenerate and spruce up the town.
This purchase marks the first in the process to snap up parcels of disused land and derelict buildings which may pose a danger to residents in roads including Villiers Street, Moat Street, Newhall Street, Stafford Street and Temple Bar. A number of the sites have been the target of anti-social behaviour deliberately started fires in recent years resulting in disruption to traffic and residents.
The move will make way for the construction of 107 homes by developer Keepmoat.
Walsall Council associate leader Adrian Andrew said: “It is great news that we have taken ownership of the first building within our Compulsory Purchased Order boundary in Willenhall.
"It has been a long process to get to this point and it shows that we as a council are committed to using our powers to bring these much-needed developments forward for our residents.
“In May we expect to have acquired all the sites that we need to so we can start work with Keepmoat to deliver new housing. This is huge step forward on delivering a great future for Willenhall while having an eye on our proud history.”
Keepmoat West Midlands land & partnership director Neil Smith added: “At Keepmoat we’re proud to be working alongside Walsall Council as we continue to build on our successful partnership.
“The 107 high-quality, new homes being delivered in Willenhall will provide fantastic housing stock for local people. As experts in transforming brownfield land, the team at Keepmoat are thrilled to be regenerating this derelict site with the local authority to breathe new life into the area.”
The scheme was given outline permission last July for land clearance in Moat Street, Temple Bar, Cemetery Road, Villiers Street and Newhall Street and the development of up to 54 apartments, 53 houses, road junction improvements and car parking, and the creation of new public open space.
Acquisition of all the sites is expected to be completed by May.
The move has been backed by Willenhall South ward Labour representative Councillor Simran Cheema who said: "This is a welcome development for residents in Willenhall. It will bring new homes and bring much needed green space which is what we need for our families.
"It will bring an end to property owners failing to maintain or board up their sites, putting the community at risk. There's been several fires including at buildings in Moat Street, Newhall Street and recently at the former Castle pub in New Road.
"I do feel we need to be firmer with landowners who fail to properly secure premises."
The council has been granted £20 million under the Government's Levelling Up Fund plus sums from the West Midlands Combined Authority for the Willenhall Framework Scheme.
