Empty hospital sites could become affordable homes

Bloxwich Hospital will be the first site to be looked at, the two organisations said

Empty hospital sites across the Black Country could be transformed into affordable homes.

Social landlord whg and the Wolverhampton-based Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said they are aiming to unlock surplus NHS land and return unused public estate to community use, subject to planning.

It is hoped that this would improve both housing supply and health outcomes, with the organisations saying that providing permanent and affordable homes could support earlier discharge, free up beds and ease pressures on services.

The first site to be looked at is the vacant Bloxwich Hospital in Walsall, which was decommissioned and saw services relocated following the opening of a new facility.

The existing building would be converted into new homes, as well as an additional new-build development on the site, subject to feasibility and planning.

The developments would be permanent, affordable homes, with no short-stay or temporary accommodation.

A joint board would oversee the programme, which would seek to transform sites across the four Black Country boroughs.

"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," said Marsha Foster, chief executive at the trust.

"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."

In May, the trust published a statement to combat "speculation regarding the building's future".

It said the building was still owned by the trust and was being prepared for sale, adding that it was committed to ensuring that future use of the site aligned with the needs of the community.