Express & Star

Social hub plan for former landmark church in Wolverhampton

A landmark former church in the centre of Wolverhampton is to be turned into a major social hub hosting wedding parties and jazz concerts, if new plans get the go-ahead.

Published
Last updated
The landmark former Darlington Street Methodist Church building in Wolverhampton city centre

Darlington Street Methodist Church – notable for its large green dome – held its last service in September 2019, closing after almost 120 years of worship.

A bid to transform the building into a venue capable of accommodating a variety of community functions has now been submitted to the council by Rajinder Dhinsa, of Wolverhampton-based Hallmark Investment Properties.

Councillor Lynne Moran, who represents St Peter’s ward where the former church is located, said: “I recall the Good Shepherd doing its very best to operate efficiently in this church building, which was very difficult indeed given its design, age and need for repair.

“In principle we should be preserving our older buildings of interest, but that might well be demanding in terms of refurbishment and safety requirements.

“If there is an investor willing to bring this building back to a good standard and make it commercially viable, then that is likely to be a good thing.

“Proposed use for banquets  is popular elsewhere and we would have to have actual planning grounds to object. The enhancement of evening entertainment facilities is likely to fit in with the overall development of the city,” she added.

Deputy Leader of Wolverhampton Conservative Group Councillor Simon Bennett said: “Darlington Street Methodist Church is one of the city centre’s most historic buildings and contains a magnificent church organ. Its closure was a sad loss.

“It is important that the building is restored, brought back into use and its heritage protected. Any scheme that is brought forward needs to enhance the city and it is vital that residents and local businesses alike are on board with the plans.”

The proposals will see the famous large church organ fully restored and used as a centrepiece in the interior redevelopment.

A statement from architects Stephen Sedwell said: “Expressions of support for the positive significance of this building have been strongly apparent in our recent enquiries.

“This is mirrored by the local authority’s heritage professionals as well

as those who walk past in the street. We have a building here that is transitional.”

However, Councillor Paul Birch, who owns and runs Revolver Records on Goldthorn Hill, said he felt the building could be better used for a different purpose.

“The classical early 20th century design of the former church lends itself to becoming a new 4*/5* hotel – which we badly need in the city centre,” he said.

“But instead of planning our city for the purpose and vision we hold, we are allowing developers to take hold of buildings and then put in their planning applications.

“Once these applications go in, planners almost always back the developers – citing planning law and regulations to support the decisions. This ties the planning committee’s hands behind its back.

“Consequently, we have a cityscape that is imagined by developers and not by the city itself, in my opinion,” he added.

“As a result, we are likely to get another Asian banqueting centre which I frankly don’t think we need. Clear vision is required to deliver a busy city centre for business and residents – not the tired, dated and quiet city we have at present.”

Located on the corner of Darlington Street and School Street, the Grade II* listed building first opened in 1901.

Planners will make a decision on the proposals in the near future.