TWO Black Country-based brothers have completed the purchase of a former Lye boxing gym dubbed an “eyesore” and have vowed to bring jobs and respectability to the key site.

Phil and Mark Stewardson, of Stewardson Developments based in Cradley Heath, are set to invest £1m in the purchase and renovation of the site, which was the former home of the Black Country Boxing Club on Dudley Road.

They are now planning to attract jobs and reputable businesses to the site, which sits on half an acre and comprises a 3,500 square foot retail unit.

Stourbridge News: Bird's eye view of the site in Dudley Road, Lye.Bird's eye view of the site in Dudley Road, Lye.

Phil Stewardson, director of Stewardson Developments, said: “We have long had an interest in this property. Being on the main route to Merry Hill shopping centre it’s strategically perfectly placed and we’re confident of bringing a big-name brand to the site along with the jobs that entails.”

Co-director Mark Stewardson added: “Stewardson Developments has a proven track record in redeveloping residential property over the past 25 years and we are increasingly expanding our commercial holdings.

“We are a family business, keen on regenerating in our local area and supporting the community by exploring the roadside retail potential of Dudley Road.”

The sale was handled by Paul Kettle at George Green Solicitors and was sold by Bond Wolfe in Birmingham.

Stewardson Developments was represented by Harvey Pearson of Stourbridge based Hexagon Commercial Property.

Harvey Pearson, director of Hexagon Commercial Property, said: “We’re thrilled that we were able to deliver this purchase for Phil and Mark.

“We are already speaking with many national and international organisations who have an interest in leasing the site.

“I have no doubt this site, which was previously an eyesore with poor history, will be completely transformed in a short space of time and will complement local occupiers like Aldi and Subway very well.”