Flats plan for Grade II listed offices in Wolverhampton city centre
Dozens of flats could be built in a vacant listed building in the city centre, under new plans lodged with council bosses.
The upper floors of the office building in Lichfield Street could be converted into 22 self contained one-bedroom flats if given the green light by Wolverhampton Council.
The building, which is Grade II listed, is largely vacant.
The flats would be built into the first, second and third floors of the building, according to the plans.
The proposed development would see the existing 35 office rooms, male and female toilets and existing two-bedroom flat – turned into 22 one-bedroom flats and a building manager's office with separate store room and toilet.
A design and access statement, submitted with the plans, said: "The proposal of converting this office building into 22 dwellings is vital to the preservation of the building. Currently the building is largely vacant due to the fact businesses prefer more modern office buildings.
"Should the building remain vacant it could lead to a detrimental effect on the fabric of the building and could lead to potential dilapidation.
"To summarise by developing the existing building into apartments improves the likelihood of occupancy of this building, which would satisfy a requirement for much needed housing in the area but also provide an economic benefit by increasing activity within the city centre."
The building was first built in 1880 and has been occupied by solicitors, accountants and other services over the years.
Wolverhampton Council will make a decision on the plans in the coming months.
