Deal to transform derelict Wolverhampton eye infirmary agreed
A deal to transform a crumbling Wolverhampton eye infirmary into new homes has been signed in a major step forward for the project.
Contractors have been brought on board to redevelop the derelict former infirmary on Compton Road.
Plans will soon officially be lodged with the city council and it is hoped the project will quickly get formal approval, particularly as the proposals have the backing of leaders at the authority.
Officials in the city have been desperate to see the site renovated due to its prime location on the way into the city centre.
The development will be residential, though the number of apartments have not been confirmed. It will also feature supported living for older people.
Property developers Gr8 Space and Adlington will lead the project after striking a deal with the site's owners BZ Property Holdings.
Historic parts of the site, such as the Victorian clock tower, are likely to be retained but others, including the old nursing block, will be torn down.
'Pleased'
It is hoped the coronavirus crisis will not further delay the scheme, particularly as any major work is likely to be around six months away.
Zed Ahmed, from BZ, said: "We are pleased we have managed to get this deal done. We have also had support from the West Midlands Combined Authority who have been really helpful.
"We have got the full support of Wolverhampton Council.
"We will be retaining the 1880s clock tower block, we want to retain that heritage.
"Some of the old A&E blocks and nursing blocks, we will be taking down. We are retaining as much heritage as possible."
The former eye infirmary has fallen to ruins and become one of the city's biggest eyesores over recent years.
People were warned to stay away from the crumbling relic amid safety fears.
A long-running court battle between the council and the city's NHS trust came to an end earlier this year, allowing owners BZ Property Holdings to progress with their plans.
