New plans for bowling alley destroyed by fire in Wolverhampton

Plans have been revealed to build a huge new self-storage facility and coffee drive-thru on the site of a former Wolverhampton bowling alley destroyed by fire. 

New plans would see the Storage Giant self-storage facility and a Starbucks drive-thru built on the site of the former Strykers bowling alley in Shaw Road, Bushbury, Wolverhampton.

The popular bowling alley was destroyed by fire just months after closing in 2013 and the site has remained empty since.

The planning application by Strykers Development Ltd to Wolverhampton Council asks for permission to build a 17,000 square foot self-storage facility on the site of the former bowling alley alongside office space and 36 parking spaces.

Lidl revealed plans to build a new supermarket on site in 2023 but those were eventually withdrawn. 

More than 100 firefighters tackled the huge blaze at the bowling alley in December 2013 which destroyed the building just two months after it closed its doors. 

After closing, the building was immediately targeted by metal thieves who caused thousands of pounds worth of damage by stealing water tanks and copper pipes.

A statement included with the planning application said: “The proposal retains employment uses on the land in line with [local plans]. 

“The current site is vacant with unattractive overgrowth and sits in a prime location along the busy Bushbury Lane. 

“The proposed scheme will bring further life to this area with a variety of uses ensuring its continuous use. 

“The design of the storage facility enables flexibility should the need arise in the future, ensuing longevity on the site, as does the drive-thru unit.”