Plans for 22 student flats submitted for empty eyesore building in Wolverhampton
New student accommodation and shops could be built as part of an attempt to breathe new life into an eyesore empty building.
A planning application has been submitted to City of Wolverhampton Council looking to convert the building at 2-5 Princess Street, Wolverhampton, into 22 student flats.
The plans submitted by PH8 Investments show the former ground floor shop, which has been empty for a decade, would be converted into new retail units.
The ‘underused’ upper floors would be turned into student accommodation and the building’s basement would also be converted into a gym, sauna and steam room for students.
A statement included with the application said: “The building has remained largely vacant for several years, particularly on upper floors, contributing little to the street scene.
“This application presents an opportunity to reintegrate the building into active city-centre use.”
Most of the near-100-year-old art deco building, nestled between bookies Betfred and Paddy Power, has been empty since 2015 when furniture specialist E Marsh relocated – blaming long-running roadworks to pedestrianise Princess Street had pushed the business “past breaking point.”
The former upholsterers, which has been empty for years and has become an increasing eyesore, would be converted into new retail units with the planning application saying the space could be used for a cafe or offices.
A move to open a restaurant in the empty building was approved by the council in 2018 but the work was never carried out.
The plans follow the recent approval of the new WV1 Cocktail Bar in Princess Street which will open in another long-time empty building.
WV1 will open in the former Revolution bar which closed in 2013. Plans for a new restaurant and flats had been approved in 2021 but the work was never carried out.
