STOURBRIDGE stalwart Jack Haden is to have a place on the town's landscape when a new building takes his name.

Retirement homes on Enville Street set to open in July are to be called Haden Lodge after the historian and journalist who died in June 2005, aged 88.

The tribute was inspired by Jack's friend Maureen Griffiths from Wollaston, who sent an entry in to developers Churchill Retirement Living after a competition in the Stourbridge News.

Chruchill managing director Ken Armstrong said: "We liked the idea of associating the lodge with someone local. Jack Haden devoted his life to the history of Stourbridge, as well as being one of the first members of Stourbridge Town Council."

Maureen donated her £100 prize from the competition to Amblecote Wordsley Methodist Church where Jack was a regular member of the congregation.

The site was formerly home to Langer's Army and Navy store which became a landmark in the town until the death of owner Herbert Langer in August 2004.

Ambitious plans for luxury apartments to be called Langer's Place on the land were approved by Dudley Council however the scheme failed to get off the drawing board.

Haden Lodge will feature a selection of one and two-bedroom self-contained retirement apartments, with a video-entry system, a 24 hour emergency telephone system, and a lodge manager.

Communal facilities will include an owners' lounge and guest suite, a laundry room and landscaped gardens.