Landmark Tipton factory site sold
A landmark former ceramics factory could be given a new lease of life after standing derelict for more than 10 years.
The Roman Mosaic site, on Bloomfield Road in Tipton, has been targeted by arsonists and left with broken windows, fly-tipping and graffiti.
It was put on the market for more than half a million pounds last year and a sale has now been confirmed has now been sold, it has been confirmed.
The factory, which is recognised by its notable chimney with ‘Roman’ written on it, also has a unique tile mosaic of a Black Country canal scene on the corner of the premises – which is hoped will be preserved.
Chair of Tipton Civic Society, Keith Hodgkins, suggested the site could be turned into office space.
He said: “I have heard that the site has been bought and could be turned into offices, but no plans have been put forward yet.
“It has looked a mess for some time now so to see something done with it will be great.
“There is also an initiative by Tipton Community Association to get the mosaics preserved.
“They have been in contact with the new owners and they have kindly said that they can have it and the plan is to re-erect it at the Brook Street Community Centre. It is a shame that its been left the way it has for so long as ceramics used to be really in fashion at one time.”
In 1997 former West Bromwich MP and House of Commons speaker, Baroness Betty Boothroyd, unveiled the canal mosaic artwork tile along with the factory bosses.
They had moved to the Bloomfield Road site in the mid 1980s having previously been based in Burnt Tree island, Dudley.
Councillor Ian Jones, who represents the Tipton Green Ward, said: “Hopefully we will see some good plans come forward for the site.
“It has been left derelict for some years now. It is in a prime location so we are all really pleased that something will be done with it.”
In the 1960s the factory was renowned for importing and distributing ceramic tiles and glass mosaics and terrazzo manufacturers.
Over the past five years a spate of vandal attacks have also blighted the premises, including metal thieves taking copper piping from the factory and slates from the roof.
The Roman Mosaic company was originally founded by Italians.
