THE multi-million-pound transformation of a former Stourbridge care home into new affordable council homes has now been completed.

Dudley Council has invested more than £2million to create 18 one and two bedroom homes within the existing shell of New Swinford Hall in Martley Drive.

All 18 properties have been allocated to people on the council’s waiting list.

The exterior of the building, which used to provide stepdown accommodation for people leaving hospital, has been given a modern makeover.

Stourbridge News: New Swinford Hall before its transformation into new council homesNew Swinford Hall before its transformation into new council homes (Image: Google Street View)

The refurbishment also includes solar panels to provide electricity for the building’s communal areas and two electric vehicle charging points for tenants to use.

The development work has been carried out by MORRO, formerly known as Jessup Partnership, on behalf of the council.

Stourbridge News: Carl Taylor from Dudley Council, Councillor Laura Taylor-Childs and Simon Thomson from MORRO.Carl Taylor from Dudley Council, Councillor Laura Taylor-Childs and Simon Thomson from MORRO. (Image: Dudley Council)

Councillor Laura Taylor Childs, the council's cabinet member for housing, said: "As a council we need to maximise every opportunity we have to provide new council homes, this includes using buildings such as New Swinford Hall that no longer serve their purpose.

“This redevelopment has breathed new life into this building and will provide 18 much-needed homes, designed to modern standards and delivered to a very high standard.

“I hope the people moving in will be happy in their new homes.”

Chris Timmins, managing director for MORRO, said it had been great to partner with the council to create "much needed homes within the community" and he added: "This site is an important addition to our development portfolio which will be crucial to providing housing for families and those who need it."