AN apartment block on the site of the former Halesowen Magistrates’ Court will provide 30 homes all for rent, it was announced this week.

Halesowen-based Ruskin Properties are taking advantage of the growing rental sector with the development, described by the architect as a “contemporary keynote building” .

The company's head of property management and development Nick Burton said: "All 30 apartments will be offered to the market for rental and we are leading the way in ‘build to rent’ within the area.

"This is one of a number of planned schemes within the area which will add much-needed quality accommodation for the rental sector."

He said the site was "an important gateway into the town" adding:

"We have worked closely with the local planners and the approved scheme is both contemporary and striking in design."

The three-storey accommodation focused around a central courtyard facing Queensway will drop in height towards Laurel Lane and the two corner towers will provide a “distinctive book-end”.

Architect Chris Jones, from INC Design Associates, said the height was been reduced to respect the scale and height of existing houses and the corner towers to the Queensway elevation will feature full length balconies with patio doors, providing an extension to the living space.

Mr Jones said: “The design strategy was to deliver a new development that would complement and respect the neighbouring properties, whilst creating a contemporary keynote building with high quality living accommodation that would enhance the immediate area.”

Contemporary materials used will include buff multi brickwork, bronze coloured windows and doors and perforated architectural mesh.

Mr Jones said the aim was “to create a warm palette with earthy tones found in the mature trees and red brick terraces that surround the site”.

He added: “The use of brickwork creates a robust façade, punctuated by large areas of glazing which announce the living areas and maximise the natural daylight to the rooms.

“Bronze coloured perforated mesh panels provide privacy and security to bedroom spaces with natural ventilation provided via openable vents to the rear.

“Four entrances with full height glazing provide residents with a sense of connection and belonging to the street and local area.”

Work on the development, which will also promote energy efficiency, is due to start by the new year with completion expected towards the end of 2017.