Apartments plan will save historic Walker Institute building

A historic building in Telford that was almost destroyed in an arson attack has been saved from demolition and will be restored to its former glory.

Multi-million pound plans to convert the Walker Institute in Oakengates into luxury apartments were approved last night. The institute in Hartsbridge Road was at risk of being demolished after lying empty for more than nine years.

And in October last year it was partly destroyed in a blaze started by arsonists.

But the building, formerly the home of Telford College of Arts and Technology, will now be converted into 14 apartments, with an indoor gym and swimming pool, after plans were approved by Telford & Wrekin Council.

The neo-classical building was built in 1926, but is not listed and does not lie in a conservation area, so could have been demolished without planning permission.

But at the council's plans board meeting last night, board members saw plans submitted by Hama Investments Ltd and supported the scheme unanimously.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds said: "I'm delighted it's being returned and put back to its former state. I can't believe it's not listed. It's a lovely building and I'm really glad the developers are going to preserve it."

Work will begin later this year to create 14 two and three-bedroom residential apartments, an indoor gym and pool, residents' parking and amenity space to the rear, with visitor parking and landscaping to the front.

As part of the agreement to secure planning permission, the developers will give £8,400 towards recreational facilities at the nearby Hartshill Park.

To help fund the development, Hama Investments Ltd has sold the land to the rear of the site to Hartsbridge Developers Ltd, which plans to build 14 homes on the site. Plans for this development were also approved last night.

See also:

• Flats bid at ex-Telford college site

• Firecrews praised for saving arson-hit building