A DERELICT Halesowen landmark building is set to be transformed into a leisure and housing development, the News can reveal.

Hobbs Corner, which is on the junction of Great Cornbow and Hagley Street, is expected to be one of the most distinctive developments in the town centre.

The news comes in the same week that a computer casino company is moving to Fountain House in Halesowen with the creation of more than 100 jobs.

Nick Burton of Ruskin Properties said: “Hobbs Corner is part of a small number of buildings in the town centre which have remained relatively unchanged for many years.

“As a Black Country developer we are proud of our heritage and keen to ensure important historical sites remain preserved. “The name ‘Hobbs’ is embedded in local history and we have worked closely with the Goodman family who have owned the site since 1850 to ensure this remains the case for many years to come.

“We are looking to develop an independent bistro restaurant and will be talking with Dudley Council to seek permission to put tables and chairs on the frontage looking onto the entertainment square.

“The bistro will feature ethically sourced modern artisan coffees, together with a traditional deli providing fresh bread, cakes and eat-in/take out sandwiches and light meals.”

He added: “We have a number of interested parties looking to take the lease of the building and manage the bistro restaurant, but are very keen to ensure it is the right person who can make this important corner of Halesowen thrive once more.”

“The grade 2 listed office building is set over three floors on Great Cornbow, we will be working closely with the conservation officer at Dudley Council and our intention is to create some really interesting and bespoke residential accommodation. “ Ruskin Properties has also struck a deal with Intouch Games Ltd, owner and operator of mFortune Mobile Casino, to relocate to Fountain House.

The company, currently based in Stourbridge, was recently named in the London Stock Exchange Group’s annual 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain list.

Intouch Games, which employs approximately 150 people, has outgrown its current Bradley Road premises and is doubling its workforce.

It is looking to recruit staff skilled in a variety of disciplines, from computer programming to marketing, and graphic design to call centre operations.

Mr Burton, of Ruskin Properties, said Intouch Games was expected to take an additional floor in the near future, “doubling its commitment to Fountain House”.

The refurbishment of the offices, which is due to be take place, will include upgrading of windows, air-conditioning and common areas.

Mr Burton said the purchase of Fountain House, which totals 68,000 sq ft of office space in Great Cornbow, was a “great addition” to his company’s portfolio and represented a multi-million pound investment.

It was previously owned by an offshore company based in the British Virgin Islands and had only two tenants who occupy just over 10,000 sq ft.