Leader hails “superb” deal for Ladies Walk
A proposal for Dudley Council to buy Ladies Walk in Sedgley - securing the future of library and health facilities in the town - has been given the green light.
The authority’s cabinet voted to approve the freehold purchase of the building at a meeting last week.
The council will now progress talks with its NHS partners to secure continued local health services while generating a regular rental income towards the long-term investment of Ladies Walk.
Discussions are also ongoing about putting a housing hub into the building so tenants can have face to face contact with officers. And the council is already receiving expressions of interest from other operators as potential additional future occupiers, including an opticians.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:
“As a council we have remained committed throughout this process to maintaining health and library services in Sedgley, while finding the best possible deal for the taxpayer.
“Our officers have worked tirelessly and - while I can’t go into the figures at this stage due to commercial sensitivity – they have secured a superb deal.
“It is a deal that means the council is spending to save in the long run, while keeping facilities in their current location which I know was the preferred option for residents.
“I am pleased the cabinet approved the move, which I see as an important milestone towards securing the long-term provision of library and health services in Sedgley.”