Former Wolverhampton city centre abortion offices to become flats
A former pregancy advice and abortion care centre in Wolverhampton is to be converted into a mixture of office space and flats, planners agreed this week.
The building in Queen Street, previously the city’s National Unplanned Pregnancy Advisory Service (NUPAS), dates back to the early 19th century and has been granted listed building consent under the plans.
Following approval, the vacant three-storey property will now be divided into office space on the ground floor with four one-bedroom apartments above.
The Grade II listed building was the recipient of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2018 for repairs and re-instatement work, awarded under the Queen Street Townscape Heritage Scheme.
Jason Asbury of Kingswinford-based Pharaoh Designs, the agents acting on behalf of applicant Audrey Cauthery, said: “This heritage asset is significant because of its age, history, condition and proximity to adjacent listed buildings.
“Internally, any historic features will remain and the exterior of the building will remain unchanged. Windows will be repaired where necessary and secondary glazing added to enhance thermal and acoustic performance.
“The building is currently vacant so these changes will ensure it is brought back into use. The design approach will emphasise the qualities of the existing property and provide it with a sustainable use well into the future.
“Overall, the character of the building and surrounding area will not be adversely affected by the alterations."
Included in the features to be retained and restored at the property are the decorative external iron railings and balustrading running from the ground floor to the second floor of the staircase.
The building is located within the city centre conservation area and has been extended on at least one occasion, with a three-storey flat roof block added to the back. The site can be accessed from either Queen Street or Castle Street at the rear via a pedestrian alleyway.
