Delight as 'eyesore' Wolverhampton mill to be torn down

In 2008 the plan was for it be turned into canalside flats. But a devastating arson attack put paid to that.

Yet campaigners including The Victorian Society have insisted it be kept, saying it was an 'important Victorian industrial building'.

Finally, businesses in Wolverhampton who have been insisting it be pulled down are to get their wish.

Wolverhampton council has served notice of its intention to demolish the former steam mill at Corn Hill.

Structural engineers' reports to ascertain the structural integrity of the building have been completed, confirming it cannot be safely repaired and is dangerous.

Without a shred of irony, the council claims it moved 'swiftly' to exercise its powers - seven years after the fire that gutted the building and resulted in Corn Hill being closed to traffic.

Nonetheless, business leaders are just relieved it is finally going to come down.

Henry Carver, of the Wolverhampton Business Group, said: "This gets raised at every one of our meetings. The building is an absolute eyesore.

"I'm glad the council has managed to get the report that will enable it to move swiftly with demolition."

Heath Town councillor Milkinder Jaspal has been complaining about the building for years.

He said: "It's an embarrassment and it makes us look a laughing stock that it's taken such a long time to do this.

"Shortly after the fire happened, I went inside and there were some impressive things worth preserving - metalwork, timber and so on.

"But anything of value was stripped out of there within about six months.

"There was nothing worth preserving. There was nothing that could be done with it. It didn't need a report from engineers to confirm that.

"I see no reason why it's taken so long"

The building was in the way of plans to redevelop Wolverhampton's rail station.

In 2013, transport authority Centro agreed not to demolish the main structure of the old steam mill after a public consultation revealed opposition to the scheme.

Last year Centro returned with a new proposal involving the demolition of a large steel clad section at the back of the building and the original west wing wall.

This week it was revealed that Neptune, the company behind the city centre's £96 million Interchange project, has bought the site.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton council's deputy leader, said: "The council takes very seriously its responsibility to protect Wolverhampton's heritage.

"It is sad news that such a historic building has to be pulled down - but unfortunately it is beyond repair and poses a serious danger to the public.

"It is our duty to make the area safe and once demolition is complete we will be able to re-open Corn Hill."