An application by Ridgeway Pharmacy to purchase Coronation Gardens, a beloved green space in Sedgley town centre, has been refused by Dudley Council. Michael Brereton, the council’s director of development and regeneration, declined the request to declare the gardens surplus and available for sale.
Ridgeway Pharmacy, currently located within Ridgeway GP surgery adjacent to Coronation Gardens, cited financial pressures related to their lease and expressed concerns about relocation options that would remain accessible to vulnerable patients. Despite this, the council and local representatives resisted the proposed sale.
Sedgley councillor Damian Corfield voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the park’s importance to the community. He highlighted its frequent use by residents for dog walking and quiet reflection in the memorial garden dedicated last year to HM the Queen, as well as the recent planting of a Royal Oak to celebrate the King’s coronation. The green space also serves as a recreational spot for young people year-round.
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Though the purchase proposal did not specify intended developments, council officers indicated the applicant likely intended to build a pharmacy on the site. However, they noted that consultations were primarily aimed at confirming whether the land was surplus to the council’s needs.
Coronation Gardens carries a rich historical legacy. The land once formed the front garden of The Limes, a house constructed in 1851 by nail maker Eliza Tinsley. Over the years, the site has functioned as a wartime vegetable garden, village morgue, and fire station.
Cllr Corfield suggested that Ridgeway Pharmacy consider waiting for the council to acquire the nearby Ladies Walk Building, which could provide a more suitable, accessible location that complements existing health services.
This decision underscores the council’s commitment to preserving valued community spaces while supporting local business needs through viable alternatives.