Hotel bid to restore eyesore site

A luxury hotel looks set to be created in the heart of Wolverhampton after regeneration bosses threw their weight behind the plans.

Planning officers say the proposals for the dilapidated site near Penn Road island must be dealt with as quickly as possible so the important city centre site can be returned to its former glory.

The long-awaited Triangle development could finally begin by the end of 2007 after several years in the pipeline. The plan includes a 75-bedroom hotel and 90 apartments.

There will also be a restaurant, bar and shopping complex. It will be built on land bordered by School Street, Worcester Street and Little Brickkiln Street.

And it will also retain some of the city’s heritage by keeping the facade of the former Scala Cinema as the entrance lobby to the hotel.

It closed 50 years ago, and after extensive demolition work is the only thing left standing on the site.

But not everyone is in favour of the plans, including members of Wolverhampton History and Heritage Society. They fear the plans do not fit in with the character of the area and the front of the old cinema could appear “stuck on” to the development.

While planners are supportive of the £35 million scheme, developers Fortmere Properties will have to go back to the drawing board on several issues including car parking, landscaping and the provision of public art. 

Planning officer Richard Pitt said: “This site has been the subject of a considerable history of ongoing negotiations to try to bring this key regeneration site forward.

“Substantial weight should be given to the need to redevelop this vacant eyesore as expeditiously as possible. Its importance as a landmark, prominent site that is crucial to the image of the city should not be underestimated.”

The project will include a tower of dark aluminium glazing, copper panels and balconies overlooking Penn Road ring road island.

The development is expected to be completed early in 2009.