McPhillips starts on former Tipton Flour Mill flats

Work has begun on converting a 19th century Black Country mill into council flats as part of regeneration plans for Tipton town centre.

Telford-based contractor McPhillips has been appointed by Sandwell Council to deliver the scheme for 15 apartments, which will involve refurbishing and extending the historic building alongside the canal.

The mill dates back to 1840 and will be repurposed to provide housing for people on the council’s waiting list.

“The old flour mill has a story that is steeped in the history of the town, and we’re honoured to be given the opportunity to bring it back into life for the people of Tipton,” said McPhillips director, Stuart Mackenzie.

“Converting the building into 15 council flats is going to have a sizeable impact on the local area.

“It is a great project for us and demonstrates McPhillips’ ability to deliver diverse and sustainable projects in design and build, while helping to improve and renovate buildings for local communities.”

The project follows McPhillips’ completion of a near-£1m regeneration scheme in Tipton town centre.

The project was part of a regeneration project backed by £20m of government Levelling Up cash, which also includes 70 affordable homes currently under construction on Union Street.

Cllr Ray Nock, Sandwell Council leader, said the conversion of the flour will would increase footfall in the town centre and provide a boost for local businesses.

“I am pleased to see our contractor on site at the old Flour Mill, ready to give this heritage building a new lease of life and provide much-needed housing for people on the council’s waiting list,” he said.

“I know how important town centres are to the people of Sandwell, so we will continue to invest in them. New homes like this will bring a wide range of benefits to the town centre.”