Council approves sale of former day centre

The site of a former day centre for vulnerable adults could be redeveloped into a new store, after Birmingham City Council approved its sale.

The authority has been selling property and land since it declared itself effectively bankrupt in September 2023.

More property sales were given the green light at a recent meeting, including the former Harborne Day Centre in West Boulevard, which was one of four centres that closed earlier this year as part of council budget cuts.

Services and residents were ultimately moved to the five remaining day centres in the city under the plans, which sparked furious outbursts during a meeting last year.

The centres provide support and opportunities to make friends and gain new skills for those with learning and physical disabilities, autism and dementia.

The council has now approved the sale of the former day centre, with a report saying it would support the local authority's financial recovery plan.

Another council document went on to provide some insight on what the future of the site could hold.

"The building is now vacant. The proposal is to sell the property to a national company who will redevelop the site for a new food store."

Local ward councillor Jayne Francis said she would welcome the creation of jobs and wanted the proposed retail development to commit to ensuring the store is "fully accessible" by public transport.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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