West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says investment will see one of Walsall’s most historic buildings reborn.
And Mr Street, who leads the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), says the plans to renovate Globe House, a Grade II listed building in Bradford Place, is just one of a number of similar projects.
Following an investment of more than £582,000 by the WMCA, Globe House, in Bradford Place, will be converted into 35 apartments for rent by Globe Asset Management Ltd (GAM), a Walsall-based company which holds, manages and develops residential and commercial property across the Black Country and Birmingham.
At least a fifth of the new apartments will be classed as affordable.
Mr Street said: “Our investment into the historic Globe House will help transform an underused and much-loved building and bring new homes into the very heart of the community.
“It’s also wonderful to see another heritage building preserved for future generations to enjoy and follows the investment made by the WMCA into the regeneration of the Citadel Building in Birmingham city centre.
“Across the West Midlands, with the public, private and third sector working together in partnership, we are continuing to unlock the potential of previously neglected locations to help supercharge our regional development - creating jobs and homes for local residents while protecting the green belt.”
Located in Walsall’s Bridge Street Conservation Area, Globe House was constructed in 1888 to mark Queen Victoria's golden jubilee the year before.
It was used as a college for more than a century and later converted into offices but much of the building is now unoccupied.
Walsall’s historic Guildhall is also set to get a new lease of life, after the Council secured a grant of £3.7 million from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
The Grade II listed building will become the Creative Industries Enterprise Centre (CIEC) and will feature a gallery space for exhibitions, conference facilities hosting a range of creative events, and a café.
The New Art Gallery, Urban Hax and Walsall Cultural Compact are involved in the project, who hope to continue Walsall’s push into becoming a centre of creative excellence.
Mr Street added: “Bringing in major investment is key to the renewal of Walsall, whether it’s to support the high street, improve transport links or even bring cherished old buildings back into use.
“Working together with the Government and Walsall Council we are seeing millions of pounds coming into the borough that will make a real difference to local people’s lives, creating job opportunities and boosting the local economy.”