Concert venue plans for historic Wolverhampton building

The Victorian-built Grand Post House building, next to the Grand Theatre in Lichfield Street, has been empty for years.

Under ambitious plans revealed today the huge structure - which spans three streets - could become a cultural hub in a key area of the city.

It is likely to be a multi million pound redevelopment and talks are under way with bosses from the University of Wolverhampton to make full use of the space.

A student's union and exhibition space would form part of the venue, which is also being lined up to house conferences and vintage trade fairs.

The historic building was once the main post office in the city until the 1960s, when a new one was built next door.

The majority of the building is Grade II listed and has been empty since 2007 when it was vacated by the University of Wolverhampton.

Leisure chiefs at the council have welcome the project with open arms.

Agent for the planning application Shaun Gill, from Dudley firm Design to Build, said talks were ongoing with the university to see how they too could utilise the building.

"It's a multi-use building but it could certainly house small gigs," he said.

"People want to see this historic building thrive again."

The bottom two floors would host events, with room for 1,500 people, while floors above would house offices.

A planning application has been submitted to Wolverhampton City Council.

Council leisure chief Councillor Elias Mattu said the project would further reinvigorate that part of the city.

The nearby Grand Theatre is getting an £800,000 refurbishment in the coming years, while the ongoing interchange project will see offices and restaurants built next to the £22.5m bus station.

And the city's railway station is also being redeveloped, with images released last month of how the long-awaited facelift will look.

Councillor Mattu said: "This is another part of the rejuvenation of Wolverhampton.

"It's great for the city to see such an historic building getting a revamp and of course the extra space for concerts is very welcome."

As well as Lichfield Street, the building spans Princess Street and Berry Street.

The old post office was built back in 1895. When another post office was built next door in the 1960s the building was sold and refurbished as offices and teaching rooms.

That post office closed last year when it was moved just a few years over the road to the Nisa convenience store.

The University of Wolverhampton said it was unable to comment on the plans at this time.