The site of a former famous live music pub in Walsall – where the forerunner to rock band Slade is said to have their first paid gig – has been transformed into 12 affordable, two-bedroom homes to rent.
The former derelict site on Stephenson Avenue, Beechdale Estate, was once where The Three Men in a Boat pub stood, and it later became an office for Longhurst Group, the housing group, until 2015. It stood empty until last year after the housing organisation was relocated to Stephenson Square.
Residents Now Moving Into New Beechdale Homes
The homes, which were partly funded through money received from the sale of 40 of its properties through the Voluntary Right to Buy pilot in the West Midlands, have now been handed over by contractors and new residents have started moving in.
The site proudly recognises its musical links, with Longhurst Group unveiling a commemorative plaque, which marks it as an important venue for West Midlands music lovers. The pub was once managed by the uncle John Bonham, of Led Zeppelin.
Plaque Commemorates Noddy Holder
The plaque reads: “Groups considered it a feather in their cap to be invited to play at The Boat and Noddy Holder was a regular performer at the venue.
“It’s said that Holder used to practise there with the N’Betweens. Then, as Ambrose Slade, they reportedly had their first paid booking at The Boat before later becoming Slade.”
Marcus Keys, executive director of growth and development at Longhurst Group, said: “I’m delighted to see these homes completed and handed over to the Group.
“We’re committed to providing the homes people want, where they’re needed most and by delivering 12 affordable homes on Beechdale in Walsall, we’re addressing a need for additional housing and helping to improve the community.
“The site, which was once our offices and previously a pub, had stood derelict for a number of years and had become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, so it was important for us to transform this site.
“The homes are smart and modern and I’m sure they’ll prove popular with our customers who’ve already started moving in and making them home.”
Marcus added: “We want to improve the communities in which our customers live, but at the same time we’re mindful of not erasing their history.
“That’s why we felt it was important to commemorate the history of this site through its time as The Three Men in a Boat pub and also our offices by way of the plaque at the front of the development.
“We know how loved the pub was by many of our customers and residents of the estate, so I hope this can act as a permanent reminder of those happy memories.”
Written by Jayne Howarth