Former flagship M&S store in Wolverhampton will be turned into 70 flats as developers make a pledge to shoppers

The huge department store in Dudley Street, Wolverhampton, which closed permanently in September after nearly 100 years in the city, will be converted into 71 one-and-two-bed flats after plans were approved by City of Wolverhampton Council.

All four floors would be converted into flats with retail units kept along Dudley Street, the city’s main shopping thoroughfare as part of the application by Nottingham-based ALB Group.

The firm bought the department store for more than £3m last year.

A new Home Values store opened in December as a ‘temporary tenant’ while ALB works on the new retail and flats plan.

After the store closed in September, retail giant M&S said it was committed to remaining in the city and has been eyeing Wolverhampton’s historic former Banks’s Brewery – which also recently shut its doors after 150 years – as a new home.

'Retail activity along Dudley Street will be maintained'

A statement included with the application said: “The building is located adjacent to, but outside of, the Wolverhampton city centre conservation area.

“The proposed development involves a change of use of part of the ground floor to provide residential access, residential units and communal facilities, while retaining retail uses along Dudley Street.

“The proposal has been designed to ensure that the development does not adversely affect the character or setting of the nearby conservation area.

“Retail activity along Dudley Street will be maintained, preserving the commercial character and vitality of the area.

“Any external changes to the building are to be minimal and carefully designed to respect the appearance of the surrounding streetscape and the setting of the conservation area.

“The proposed residential courtyard has been designed to provide an amenity to the proposed residential units without impacting the external streetscape.

“The proposed development includes residential accommodation above and adjacent to commercial premises with retail activity along Dudley Street and servicing of units, potentially generating moderate noise during daytime hours.

“Delivery and servicing activity are separate from the residential accommodation via the retained goods service yard and separate back-of-house corridor, preventing disturbance to future occupants.”