Work has begun on 15 new affordable council apartments in Tipton town centre as part of the area's regeneration programme. The development includes the conversion of the locally listed old Flour Mill building on Union Street into six apartments, with a further nine new apartments to be built on land behind it.
Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Ray Nock attended a groundbreaking ceremony on site alongside contractor McPhillips, council officers and other councillors to mark the start of initial ground works. Town centre businesses remain open and unaffected by the construction.
Historic Building Conversion and New Build
The old Flour Mill, which dates from 1919 in its current form with origins going back to the early 1800s, will be retained and modernised into council apartments. A separate block of nine new apartments will be constructed behind the historic building.
The 15 apartments will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom homes. McPhillips is currently carrying out initial ground works on site, with construction of the apartments expected to start in the coming weeks. Completion is forecast for early 2028.
Part of Wider Regeneration
These 15 apartments bring the total number of new council homes being built in Tipton town centre to 70. A further 55 council apartments are also being developed further along Union Street as part of the wider regeneration project.
The regeneration programme is supported by £20 million of government funding through the Local Regeneration Fund, plus investment from Sandwell Council. Recent improvements to public spaces along Owen Street have already been completed to make the town centre safer, more attractive and more accessible. Car parks in Albion Street and New Cross Street offer up to two hours of free parking.
Local Supply Chain and Community Support
Stuart MacKenzie, Director at McPhillips, said the contractor is committed to keeping investment in the local economy, with 60 per cent of the project's supply chain coming from within 30 miles. The contractor is also working with the council on a youth trailblazer programme to provide work experience for young people in the area.
Alongside the build, McPhillips will visit local schools, run community volunteering days and organise litter picks in the area.