McPhillips starts renovation of Tipton Flour Mill for council housing

McPhillips has started work converting Tipton’s 180-year-old former Flour Mill into 15 one and two bedroom council flats, in a project forming part of regeneration plans for the town centre.

The Telford construction firm was appointed Sandwell Council’s official construction partner for the scheme. The mill, which housed the Union Flour Mill from 1840, will be converted and extended. McPhillips has already completed a near £1m regeneration scheme in Tipton town centre.

McPhillips director Stuart Mackenzie said the project showed the firm’s ability to bring existing buildings back into use for communities.

“Having already completed a major project in Tipton, we’re excited to get started on a scheme that is going to have a real impact on the community.“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.“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 contractor has committed to community events and social value initiatives, and said 60 per cent of its supply chain comes from within a 30-mile radius. Named on the £180m Black Country framework recently, McPhillips is also working with the council on a youth trailblazer programme. The scheme will give individuals an eight-week period of work experience on site.

The firm will engage with schools in Sandwell. A volunteer day has already taken place, and discussions are under way about future community projects, including litter picks.

Councillor Ray Nock, Sandwell Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said the start of work would give the heritage building a new use and provide homes for people on the council’s waiting list.

“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.“I welcome building affordable homes in town centres. This will increase footfall and help put money into local businesses and traders. As a council, we are repurposing under-used land into high-quality, energy-efficient homes for local people.“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.”