Dudley Council is on the brink of finalising the purchase of the Ladies Walk centre in Sedgley after months of ongoing negotiations and public speculation. The current lease on this privately owned health centre and library, managed by Aviva, is set to expire in March 2026. Initially, the Conservative-run council appeared to be working toward renewing the lease but now seems poised to buy the property outright.
Council leader Cllr Patrick Harley expressed pride in the anticipated deal, stating, “While we cannot disclose the final purchase cost due to commercial sensitivities, this acquisition is expected to save taxpayers around £15 million over the next 25 years, potentially even more. These savings come from eliminating rental payments and allowing the council to utilise the centre for additional services such as a housing hub.”
Harley also pointed out the historical context: “Twenty-five years ago, an expensive lease for the Ladies Walk centre was approved by the previous Labour-led council. It is our responsibility to secure a better deal for the community while preserving essential services.”
READ MORE: UK Snow Bomb Arrives Early with Up to 23 Inches and Bitter -14C Temperatures
READ MORE: Millions Explore ‘Virtual Birmingham’ Created by University Student on Roblox
The impending lease expiry had raised concerns among residents and opposition figures about the future of the centre. Dudley’s Labour MP, Sonia Kumar, voiced these worries in Parliament, delivering a petition in May 2025 urging urgent communication between the property owners, Dudley Council, and the NHS to prevent any disruption or closure of services at Ladies Walk.
Meanwhile, Reform UK’s Marco Longhi was accused of hinting that the building might be repurposed to house asylum seekers following his call for clarification from the Home Office. Longhi denied these claims, stating in October 2025, “I never implied or spread such rumours. I simply stood up for local residents to ensure all voices were heard, including those concerned about the building’s future.”
The local Conservative candidate for Sedgley in the upcoming May elections, Bill Etheridge, criticised political opponents for stoking unnecessary fears over the facility, saying, “Local politicians have stirred up anxiety about this much-loved centre purely for political gain and to boost their electoral chances.”
As the council moves closer to securing ownership, this deal promises to safeguard an important community resource while delivering significant financial savings.