Eyesore Wolverhampton factory left empty for 50 years to become flats
A city centre factory left empty for half a century will finally be demolished to make way for new flats.
The empty industrial unit and former Frank Glover works in Mary Ann Street, Wolverhampton, which has stood empty since closing in the late 1970s, will be demolished to make way for 22 new flats after receiving the backing of Wolverhampton Council.
The new building, off the A454 Middle Cross near the city centre’s Bilston Street island, would be covered in light and dark grey cladding.
Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Express & Star’s free newsletter
The application said the building had been empty for nearly 50 years and was in a “poor state of repair with broken windows and decaying roofs".
A report outlining the approval from the council’s planning officers said: “The proposal seeks to partially demolish and extend the existing building to provide much needed housing close to the city centre.
“The principle of residential development in this location is considered acceptable being close to residential properties, to the transport network and within walking distance to the city centre.
“The apartment sizes are varied, due to the existing limitations of the building but all provide good quality living accommodation.
“There is no provision for private amenity space and limited parking is provided but given its highly accessible location and limitations for external space, being predominantly a conversion with extensions and due to its city centre location, these aspects of the design can be relaxed.”
A total of 16 car parking spaces were also included in the application for the one- and two-bed flats.
A statement included with the planning application by Lovekesh Soni said: “The building has stood unused for over 40 years without any maintenance which is having a detrimental impact on the surrounding area and is attracting vandalism.
“With the building being converted to residential units this will provide market housing within the city centre which has many local amenities and good transport links to surround areas within walking distance.
“The building will be continually maintained, funded by the revenue generated and provide natural surveillance by the tenants to the immediate surround area.
“With the extension and refurbishment of the retained building this will have a positive impact onto the surrounding area and greatly improve the street scene.”
