First site to be looked at is Bloxwich Hospital in Walsall
An NHS trust and housing association have struck a deal which could see vacant hospitals across the Black Country transformed into affordable homes.
Walsall Housing Group (WHG) and Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have agreed a partnership to work together in unlocking surplus NHS land.
The pair have signed a five-year memorandum of understanding, but say the agreement is expected to be the start of a partnership that will extend beyond 2030.
The first site to be looked at is now-vacant Bloxwich Hospital, which was decommissioned earlier this year after the opening of a new facility.
Subject to feasibility, the existing building will be converted into new homes, wth an additional new build development on other parts of the site.
The programme will be overseen by a joint board.
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.”
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