McPhillips starts Tipton Flour Mill renovation to develop 15 council flats

Award winning contractor McPhillips has begun work converting a 180-year-old building into one and two bedroom council flats.

The construction firm, from Telford, has been appointed as Sandwell Council’s official construction partner for this project, as part of wider regeneration plans across Tipton Town Centre.

They have already completed a near £1m regeneration scheme in the town centre – and now the firm has begun work on the old Flour Mill alongside the canal in the town.

The building, which was home to the Union Flour Mill from 1840, is set to be converted and extended into 15 one and two bedroomed council flats.

McPhillips director Stuart Mackenzie explained the project showcased its ability to improve existing buildings and bring them back into use for communities.

He said: “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.”

Alongside the project, the firm has also committed to a host of community events and social value initiatives, while also confirming that 60 per cent of the supply chain comes from within a 30-mile radius.

McPhillips, who were recently named on the £180m Black Country framework, is also working in conjunction with the council to develop a youth trailblazer programme, involving an eight-week period for individuals to attend the site for a work experience programme.

They will also be engaging with schools in Sandwell, while a volunteer day has already been held along with discussions regarding future community projects such as litter picks.

Councillor Ray Nock, Sandwell Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “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."

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Editors notes

Award-winning building and civil engineering