Its not the same thing I know, and sorry for stating the obvious but if you don't mind going digital, then taking black and white is a matter of one click on the PC. Might be worth considering before going to the expense of a darkroom anyway.

B and W film is hard to obtain and get developed in the UK but the last time I had some I seem to remember it came with an envelope to send back to the supplier for developing and reordering, which was handy. Maybe there is a similar set up where you are?