Former Wolves headquarters could become shops

A historic pub that was the former headquarters for Wolves could be turned into shops under plans outlined to planning bosses.

The Kings Arms on Dudley Road, Blakenhall, was the base for the team during their days at the Dudley Road Ground.

Wanderers left it 125 years ago to play at Molineux.

Amid claims that the pub has been hit by problems with anti social behaviour, proposals have now been lodged to extend the first floor and convert the building into three shop units and there are calls to mark the pub's part in Wolves' history with a plaque.

It comes just after the club celebrated its 125th anniversary of its first game at Molineux.

Dudley Road had been the team's home between 1881 and 1889. Wolves used the pub for meetings during their eight year stay.

Jeremiah Mason was the licensee of the 19th century venue, his son Charlie Mason was part of the team that won Wolves' ever trophy the Wrekin Cup.

He also has distinction of being the first player from the club to be selected for an international side.In total Mason won three England caps and made more than 108 league and cup appearances for Wolves during a nine year career.

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When he retired he went on to work at the Sunbeam Factory.

The area around the former ground is still celebrated today with the street name Wanderers Avenue.

Blakenhall Labour councillor John Rowley, a member of the Campaign for Real Ale, says he has mixed views about the proposal to turn the pub into shops.

He said: "Clearly the Kings Arms must have been a focal point for players after the match.

"Unfortunately the Kings Arms has fallen on hard times in recent years and I think this planning consent would be difficult to resist, although it is always sad to lose a heritage pub.

"The Dudley Road is one of Wolverhampton's most vibrant and successful retail centres and I have no doubt that there is a real demand for the proposed shops and offices.

"I have suggested to planning officers that Wolves could be approached to install a plaque in the building to record its heritage importance in the area."

In a report to the council the plans state: "The site is within a mainly commercial area and is well served with facilities for community meeting places, within walking distance of the site are three public houses, four restaurants/cafeterias and four religious buildings with community centres.

"These established facilities within the area will be able to adequately provide meeting places for the local community.

"The existing public house is let on a tenancy basis due to the very poor turnover of the business there have been three tenants within a six-month period all leaving without payment of rent and returning a loss."

The report also goes on to say that the historic pub has had problems with anti-social behaviour.

It adds: " Given these historic problems with the property it will not be a viable financial proposition to provide an alternative facility.

"The proposed alterations providing retail opportunities will provide a positive contribution to the local community and a viable financial proposition."

The pub had its licence reviewed in April following a request by police.

It followed claims that illegal immigrants had been working in the kitchen as well as allegations of fighting and other problems.

However Wolverhampton City Council's licensing committee allowed the pub to remain open after a new licensee took it over and agreed to introduce CCTV and a cash register recording times of alcohol sales.