Sandwell Council to Bid for £1.3 Million to Demolish Former School and Community Centre for New Housing
Sandwell Council is set to submit a funding bid for £1.3 million to demolish a former community centre in Cradley Heath, with plans to clear the site for approximately 13 new homes. The council aims to secure the maximum amount available from the government's Brownfield Land Release Fund, which is administered by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
Closure of a Well-Used Community Hub
The Cradley Heath Community Centre, located on Reddal Hill Road, was officially closed in August last year after the Labour-run authority declared it "surplus to requirements." Despite its active use, the council cited significant running costs as a primary reason for the closure. The facility had been a vibrant hub, hosting a wide range of activities and services.
Key services and groups that utilized the centre included:
- Citizens Advice Bureau for legal and financial guidance
- Drugs and alcohol support groups offering recovery assistance
- Yemeni Community Association for English language classes
- Exercise, dance, and art classes for community fitness and creativity
- Youth club, boxing, martial arts, and karate groups for sports and engagement
- Children's soft play area for family activities
- Yoga and Tai Chi classes promoting health and wellness
Financial Pressures and Future Plans
The decision to close the centre was part of Sandwell Council's broader effort to achieve a savings target of £2.5 million in its property management budget last year. Councillors were warned that the building's budget would be "exhausted within the next six months," highlighting urgent financial concerns.
Annual and projected costs associated with the centre:
- Running costs of approximately £54,000 per year
- Repair expenses amounting to at least £11,000 annually
- An estimated £350,000 needed for repairs over the next five years
- A further £150,000 required for maintenance in the next two decades
Originally a primary school converted in the early 1980s, the centre was managed by Sandwell Community Hubs until 2022, when it was returned to council control. The council has committed to assisting community organisations in relocating to alternative venues, though options are limited.
Alternative Venues and Next Steps
Potential relocation sites suggested include Haden Hill Leisure Centre, which is currently undergoing replacement and is not expected to reopen until at least May 2027. Other alternatives touted are the town's library and fire station, Salvation Army, Community Link, Cradley Sports and Social Club, and Luxor Events (the former Regis).
Sandwell Council's cabinet is scheduled to meet on March 11 to discuss and vote on the funding bid. If approved, the demolition would pave the way for new housing development on the cleared brownfield site, aligning with regional efforts to repurpose neglected land for residential use.
