Former landmark club in Halesowen to be children's nursery

The Hill and Cakemore Conservative Club, in Long Lane, Halesowen, has sat derelict for around five years.

Plans were approved for the site to be turned into a children’s nursery with residential living quarters in 2015, but work has only got underway in recent weeks.

The club welcomed several senior political figures in the 1960s and 70s including Alexander Douglas-Home, who served as Prime Minister from 1963 to 1964 and Quintin McGarel Hogg, who was considered a potential leader of the Conservative party in 1963.

Notable business and sportsmen were also regulars at the venue, including Kidderminster MP Gerald Nabarro and champion snooker player Rex Williams, who became the youngest winner of the English Amateur Snooker Championship in 1951.

But since falling into a state of disrepair and with dwindling numbers in later years, the club had to shut its doors.

Councillor Hilary Bills, who represents the Halesowen North Ward, said: “It was sad when it went as a Conservative Club. That was about four or five years ago now. It was one of the main places that people would go.

“Although it has taken a while for work to start on the site it is good that something is finally being done with it and that the building will be coming back into use.

“There’s nothing worse than seeing empty buildings, especially when we are trying to attract business in the area.”

Fellow ward councillor Karen Shakespeare said: “It is a shame to see the club go, but it is great to see what is happening now. I don’t think we have a nursery in that part of the town. I wish them every success.”

Planning documents state: “The proposed change of use of the Hill and Cakemore Conservative Club will enable the re-use of the vacant premises to provide a sustainable use within the area.”

The front facing double doors in the porch will be replaced with a window and the entrance point will be to the side of the porch at the top of the ramp.

Five spaces at the front would be reserved for parent pick up and drop off. Rear parking will also be provided with 13 spaces on Woodland Road.

Elsewhere in Halesowen, plans were given the go ahead to redevelop Grade II listed former council offices in Great Cornbow and Hagley Street into 24 apartments and a cafe earlier this month, despite objection