New lease of life for historic Chelmsley Wood building

HISTORIC SITE: Alcott House was derelict for several years.

ONE of the oldest buildings in North Solihull has been turned into an affordable housing block.
Meriden MP Caroline Spelman was invited to cut the ribbon at Alcott House, Chelmsley Wood yesterday.
Originally a farmhouse, the red brick building is over 200-years-old and one of the few properties left standing on the estate which pre-dates the major development of the 1960s.
The premises, which is Grade II-listed, had previously been used as offices, but businesses moved out in 2011 amid safety concerns.
For several years Alcott House was left derelict and while the idea of using the building as a local heritage centre was considered, the decision was eventually taken to turn it into residential accommodation.
Solihull Community Housing was granted planning permission last year to convert the dwelling into three apartments.
Because of its historical importance, the developers had to make sure that any changes were in keeping with the 18th century features.