Council completes purchase of former Halifax building for regeneration

The future of a prominent site on Walker Street in Wellington has been secured after the town council completed its purchase. This move marks the latest step in the ongoing efforts to revitalise the local area.

The building was previously home to the Halifax bank and an Oxfam shop. It will now undergo a refurbishment that compliments the recent market renovations and work at the former YMCA.

Details of how much the town council has paid for the building in Duke Street remain confidential but when it hit the market last year it had a freehold sale price of £250,000.

Funding for the project came from a Public Works Loan. This approach was backed by the community during a consultation held back in 2021.

The council says its primary objective is to protect the architectural heritage of the building while ensuring it remains a functional asset. Plans for the site include a retail space on the ground floor.

The upper floors are set to be converted into apartments to increase the availability of town centre living.

Councillor Paul Davis said: “This purchase demonstrates a significant and tangible investment in our town by the Council. Our goal is to preserve the unique character of this building while ensuring it contributes to a vibrant, modern Wellington.”

Local contractors will be prioritised to carry out the renovation works.

Before the work began, the space was used as a temporary base for the Telford African and Afro-Caribbean Resource Centre. They used the unit to run a hurricane relief appeal over the Christmas period.

Vinyl coverings have now been placed over the windows while the building is empty. These feature a silhouette of the local landscape and highlight the investment in the town.

Further details are expected to be released once a new retail tenant has been found for the ground floor.