Sandwell Council is moving forward with ambitious plans to create 50 new affordable flats by acquiring two key sites in Blackheath town centre. Working alongside affordable housing provider Cornerstone Housing, the council aims to develop one- and two-bedroom flats at the former Smethwick police station and the Green Leevs Garden Centre.
The garden centre, located on Halesowen Street, will be demolished to make way for approximately 22 new flats. Meanwhile, the former police station on Piddock Road will be refurbished and converted into between 28 and 31 flats. These initiatives are part of the council’s larger commitment to providing high-quality, affordable homes to meet growing local demand and reduce the housing waiting list.
Though the garden centre site is just outside Blackheath’s official town centre boundary, it is situated close to well-known landmarks like the Britannia pub and Sainsbury’s supermarket, making the location ideal for residential development. Both sites benefit from excellent public transport connections and easy access to essential amenities.
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Cornerstone Housing is progressing with land acquisitions and plans to submit planning applications by spring 2026. A decision is expected by autumn 2026. Construction is slated to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, with the new homes ready for residents by spring 2028.
Contracts for the purchase of the former police station have already been agreed upon, with exchanges planned by the end of the month. An informal agreement is also in place for the garden centre site and is anticipated to be finalized soon.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet is scheduled to discuss and make a decision on these proposals at their meeting in Oldbury on March 11.