Plans to turn listed Wolverhampton church into events venue withdrawn
Plans to turn a landmark former church in Wolverhampton city centre into a major social hub hosting wedding parties and jazz concerts have been withdrawn.
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 was submitted to the council in May by Rajinder Dhinsa, of Wolverhampton-based Hallmark Investment Properties.
However, the applicants have now called a temporary halt to the proposals with a view to revising the plans.
A council spokesperson said: “The new owners have engaged with the council’s planning team, and recently submitted a planning application for change of use from church to multi-functional use as an event space for entertainment and ancillary activities.
“Dedicated planning and conservation officers are working directly with the owners and Historic England to agree a proposal that is acceptable in principle and will, most importantly, maintain the significance and special character of the former church.
“Any changes will need to be justified with appropriate supporting documentation, including heritage statements and design and feasibility studies.
“Following these discussions, the owners have withdrawn their current planning application to have further negotiations with council representatives and officers from Historic England before resubmitting the application,” added the spokesperson.
“Outside of the planning discussions, council officers have been in contact with the owners to understand the extent of the essential building and roof repairs that are currently underway to preserve the building’s longevity.”
Located on the corner of Darlington Street and School Street, the Grade II* listed building first opened in 1901.
