Empty Wolverhampton city centre store to be transformed into new shops, hotel and gym
An empty former shop in Wolverhampton city centre will be converted into shops, a new hotel and gym.
The new 52-bed hotel and gym would open in the empty former Sports Direct store in Queen Street, Wolverhampton after receiving the backing of City of Wolverhampton Council.
The building’s ground floor would be split into five new retail units.
The local authority’s planners welcomed the “significant investment” in the city centre and said the new hotel would “improve its vitality and viability.”
A report outlining the decision said: “The proposals would create a bespoke, short-stay, hotel facility in the upper floors of this building. This is an unusual use/location, however, notwithstanding this, it is not inappropriate and would utilise a large space, creating jobs and investment.
“The proposals would be a significant investment in this part of the city centre and would improve vitality and viability of the centre if implemented.”
Commenting on the new retail units, the council’s planners added: “The proposal seeks to subdivide the large retail units to five smaller ones to offer a more affordable mix of units and to bring the vacant ground floor back into use and create employment opportunities. The proposed ground floor retail use would be consistent with the current use. Moreover, sub-division creating smaller units could improve their appeal to future occupants, potentially making them more likely to be occupied.”
Sports Direct closed in 2021 following a move by the sportswear giant to a flagship store in the nearby Mander Centre.
The new hotel would create 12 jobs according to the application.
A statement included with the application by Opinder Singh Gulati from Easy Group Management Ltd said: “The proposed conversion of 4 Queen Street from retail to hotel use represents a high-quality and sustainable redevelopment that will deliver much-needed visitor accommodation in Wolverhampton city centre and improve the visual appearance of the existing building through modern façade enhancements.
“[It will] support the local economy by attracting tourists and business visitors and re-use and revitalise an existing structure in a sustainable manner.
“The proposal aligns with the city’s regeneration objectives and delivers a design that balances contemporary architecture with functionality and context sensitivity.”
The application adds the building’s “dated” facade would be replaced.
A separate planning application to convert most of the Queen Street’s building ground floor into five new retail units has also been approved by City of Wolverhampton Council.
“The proposed subdivision will reinvigorate a large, vacant retail space, providing flexible, affordable commercial units that will support local enterprise and contribute to the economic vitality of Wolverhampton city centre,” the application said.
“By bringing the premises back into active use, the development will increase footfall, enhance the visual appeal of Queen Street, and make a positive contribution to the local urban environment.”
