Taskforce launched to regenerate vacant properties

Cherry Shine and Cllr Stephen Simkins outside the vacant Old Post Office building

A taskforce to bring vacant private properties back into use has been launched.

The project is part of a plan to regnerate parts of Wolverhampton.

The Vacant Properties Taskforce will monitor the empty buildings and will work with the owners to help bring them back into use.

“The benefits of reusing empty buildings and developing vacant sites are considerable, including the provision of new jobs and homes," said council leader Stephen Simkins.

The new taskforce ensures owners of untidy land and buildings are required to properly maintain their property in areas such as Bilston, Wednesfield and Tettenhall.

According the the City of Wolverhampton Council, it will build on regeneration work already underway such as a five year events strategy to drive footfall, thousands of new planned homes, and grant programmes that are available to support eligible businesses with innovation.

“We welcome the new proactive approach the council is taking to encourage owners of vacant premises to properly maintain them and actively bring properties back into use," said Cherry Shine, managing director of Wolverhampton's business improvement district.

“We have seen lots of investment in our city centre, it’s only fair that those not taking full responsibility for properties in their ownership are identified and supported."

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [e-mail]