Vacant hospital sites to be transformed into affordable homes in landmark health and housing partnership

Vacant NHS hospital sites across the Black Country could soon be transformed into affordable homes, in a landmark health and housing partnership announced today.

The initiative, led by social landlord and long term placeshaper whg and Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, will see both organisations work together to unlock surplus NHS land and return unused public estate to community use, subject to planning.

It is hoped that the agreement will improve health outcomes as well as housing supply. Good-quality housing is widely recognised as a key factor in recovery and long-term wellbeing. Without it, many patients, particularly those with complex needs, remain in hospital longer than necessary because their home environment cannot support their discharge. Providing permanent, affordable homes can support earlier discharge, free up beds and ease pressure on services.

This long-term agreement builds on years of collaboration between whg and local health partners to improve the wellbeing of social housing residents. Inspired by this successful relationship, the Trust approached whg to explore how surplus land could deliver lasting social value for communities across the region. The five-year memorandum of understanding is expected to be the start of an enduring partnership that will extend well beyond 2030. Each site would be progressed through standard planning and legal approvals.

The first site to be looked at is now-vacant Bloxwich Hospital. The hospital was decommissioned following the opening of a new facility, with services relocated. Subject to feasibility, the existing building would be sensitively converted into new homes, alongside additional new build development on other parts of the site, providing much-needed affordable housing. Any proposals for Bloxwich would be for permanent, affordable homes, not short-stay or temporary accommodation, and would be subject to planning and due diligence.

Marsha Foster Chief Executive at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Housing and health are inseparable. By turning our surplus sites into quality, affordable homes, we can help people recover faster, live independently, and enjoy better long-term health. This partnership is an investment in the future wellbeing of the Black Country. For Bloxwich, proposals relate to permanent, affordable homes brought forward through the statutory planning process.”

Rebecca Bennett Casserly, Corporate Director of Development at whg, said: “We know that good housing is essential to good health. That’s why we were truly honoured to be approached by Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to work on a project with such real and lasting social value. This partnership represents the next stage in a relationship we’ve developed over many years – one built on mutual trust, shared priorities, and a clear understanding of the strategic importance of health and housing working hand in hand for the benefit of our communities.

“By working together, we can bring disused hospital sites back to life, delivering affordable homes that support people’s wellbeing for generations to come. We’re proud to bring our expertise in complex conversions to this project and committed to working with the Trust to unlock sites in the years ahead.”

The programme will be overseen by a joint board, with each site assessed to ensure it delivers the greatest possible social value for the community. Proposals will follow the usual planning and due diligence processes.