Demolition date set for derelict Willenhall shops

Work to demolish a row of derelict shops that have stood empty in Willenhall for years is starting this week.

The row of shops on Shelley Road will be knocked down as part of plans by whg to create more new, affordable homes in Walsall.

Works on site started on 19 February and will take around 10 weeks to complete.

The site, which includes four former retail units with apartments above and 18 garages will eventually be transformed into new homes.

The disused shops have stood empty for more than 10 years, most recently being used in a training exercise by local fire fighters. The leases on the garages expired some time ago.

Rebecca Bennett Casserly, Corporate Director of Development, said: “It’s exciting to see our plans for  new affordable homes draw a step closer. The next stage will be to apply for detailed planning consent for as many new homes as feasible, once any constraints in the ground have been determined.

“Once complete, this new housing development will really help transform the area, by replacing unsightly and unused buildings with modern homes fit for the future

“We are always looking at how we can use redundant, brownfield sites such as Shelley Road to provide much needed affordable homes for local people.”