Wolverhampton gets tough on vacant properties

The City of Wolverhampton Council has launched a vacant properties taskforce as it seeks to bring more empty buildings back into use to deliver on its £2.6bn regeneration plans. Council leader Stephen Simkins said the new taskforce would tackle “dishevelled, vacant commercial properties, left by landlords to blight our high streets”. He said: “We understand the difficulties that city centres and businesses face in these challenging economic times. “This council will continue to do everything in its power to drive footfall and ensure we have thriving city and district centres.” Simkins added that reusing empty buildings and developing vacant sites would provide considerable benefits, including creating new jobs and new homes. He said: “It helps attract investment to an area, lifts its character and appearance, reduces anti-social behaviour and can help boost the wellbeing of residents, workers and visitors.” The taskforce will have a mandate to monitor empty buildings and ensure they are well maintained. It will also seek to bring some “important and iconic” buildings back into use. Cherry Shine, managing director of the Wolverhampton Business Improvement District, welcomed the establishment of the new taskforce. She said: “We have seen lots of investment in our city centre. It’s only fair that those not taking full responsibility for properties in their ownership are identified and supported in bringing their premises into a good state of repair and ultimately back into use. “We look forward to seeing the results.” The council said the taskforce would expand on existing work that has seen sites across the city tidied up and developed for similar or alternative uses. It will focus on proactive engagement with owners, offering free planning, investment and business support advice. Owners of untidy land and buildings will be required to properly maintain their property. If owners are unresponsive, the council said it will utilise enforcement powers. See information on properties, land and ownership in Wolverhampton >> Photo © David Bagnall/Shutterstock