The former West Midlands Police training centre, Windmill House, in Smethwick is set to be transformed into a substantial 76-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO). This redevelopment follows its sale last year after being declared surplus to requirements by the police force.
Constructed in the 1970s, the three-storey building served as a training centre and accommodation hub for police trainees until its closure last year. The planning application, submitted to Sandwell Council by Kamraan Ahmed of Meizon Ltd, outlines a conversion aimed at providing high-quality, affordable housing tailored for healthcare workers and young professionals.
Located just 500 metres from the newly opened Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, the HMO is strategically positioned to support local healthcare staff with convenient accommodation options. The design includes 76 individual rooms, each featuring an en-suite shower, a pull-down bed integrated with a sofa, workspace, and built-in storage.
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The redevelopment plan preserves much of the building’s existing robust concrete frame and cladding, embracing sustainable practices by minimizing demolition and reducing embodied carbon. Parking spaces will be scaled down from 47 to 23 as part of the project, aligning with its focus on sustainable urban living.
Windmill House was sold to MNP Investment Holdings in June of the previous year, alongside other West Midlands Police properties like Smethwick and Oldbury police stations, which have also been put on the market. The surrounding area is undergoing significant regeneration, including plans for new housing developments and a school, positioning this refurbishment as part of a wider community revitalization effort.
By repurposing an aging utilitarian structure into modern, flexible living space, this project aims to meet pressing housing needs for key workers while supporting sustainability principles within a rapidly evolving urban landscape.