A vandal-hit former landmark factory in Wolverhampton could come alive with wedding parties and functions after taking a step closer to becoming a community centre.
The landmark former GKN site, on the Birmingham New Road, has stood as a derelict eyesore for around a decade.
But planning chiefs in Wolverhampton are today poised to give the green light to plans to transform the rundown site into a Guru Kaniwas community centre.
Bosses at Wolverhampton’s Sikh Ramgharia Board Temple, in Westbury Street, are behind the proposals but have insisted the facility will be open to everybody.
It is hoped the landmark building, which stands on one of the city’s main gateways, could come alive with wedding parties and birthday functions as well as fitness fans wanting to tone up in the gym.
The plans include creating a 250 sq m function room at the site as well as an assembly hall, which will be able to cater for around 360 people.
There would also be sauna rooms, an IT suite to be used for further education courses and a gym.
Some residents have voiced fears that the development would lead to an increase in traffic and noise.
But council officers have recommended that the plans be approved. A report to planning councillors states: “The retention and re-use of this building is welcomed.
“There is an opportunity for this building to become a focus for local community activities as well as a centre for members of Westbury Street Temple.
“Local residents’ fears are acknowledged. Whatever function this building takes on, it will generate daily traffic.
“Measures to suppress internal noise and conditions to limit the hours of operation so that significant vehicle movements to and from the building will not take place during anti-social hours will be important.”
The site hit the headlines last year after being taken over by a convoy of travellers who moved on and left behind a trail of destruction, including discarded gas bottles, tyres and litter.
Share this article:
What are these?