An historic former working men's club in Bearwood, empty for over a year, has been given the green light for conversion into new housing, sparking a debate over parking in the congested area.
Plans Approved Despite 'Unacceptable' Parking Omission
The former Corks Social Club on Bearwood Road in Smethwick will be transformed into townhouses and flats after Sandwell Council's planning committee approved an application from Tusq Construction. The century-old building, which opened in 1921 and went into administration in August 2024, will also see part of its ground floor converted for a new retail unit.
The approved scheme includes adding an extra storey to create three-storey townhouses. However, the plans include zero dedicated parking spaces for the new homes. This is despite the council's own highways department stating that up to 24 spaces could be needed as a "lenient" estimate, branding the absence "unacceptable."
Council Planners Argue Club Generated More Traffic
In a report justifying the approval, council planners argued that the new residential use would actually generate less on-street parking demand than the former club. They highlighted that the club's function room, bar, and events like birthday parties, weddings, and jazz nights created significant traffic at all hours.
"Trip generation associated with the existing use would far exceed that of the proposed dwellings," the report stated. It also pointed to the building's town-centre location and sustainable transport links as mitigating factors against refusing the application on highway grounds.
A Community Hub's Decline and Sale
The Corks Social Club was a well-known community venue, hosting everything from Latin dance classes to performances by jazz legend Andy Hamilton's Silvershine Jazz Club. It was listed as an asset of community value.
Financial difficulties led to its administration in August 2024. Administrator Grant Thornton reported a years-long decline in trading performance. The building was initially set for auction in September 2024 but was withdrawn after a private offer. That buyer pulled out, and the property was eventually sold for £740,000 in January 2025.
Prior to the sale, the Bearwood Community Hub, a non-profit group, had campaigned to raise over £100,000 to secure the building for community use. The approved application notes the building's roof is crumbling and leaking, requiring urgent redevelopment to revitalise the site and provide seven new homes.
