Former Wolverhampton job centre to become hotel, shops and flats
An empty former job centre in Wolverhampton city centre will be converted into shops, a hotel and new flats.
City of Wolverhampton Council has approved plans by property developer Arshad Ellahi to turn the former Chapel Court Job Centre on the corner of Queen Street and Market Street in Wolverhampton into four new shops, 28 one-and-two-bed flats and a 20-room basement hotel.
The job centre closed in early 2023 and has been empty since. It has since been subject to frequent vandalism and anti-social behaviour rendering the prominent city centre building an eyesore.
The planning application was submitted in October 2023 and has now finally been approved by City of Wolverhampton Council which said the work would bring an empty and “important” building back to life.
In a report outlining the decision, the council’s planners said: “The proposals would be a significant investment and create a number of new homes at this important location.
“Re-purposing the building, from the job centre and offices, into a mixed use development is appropriate in principle.
“The proposals would also create a bespoke, short-stay, hotel facility in the basement. This is an unusual use/location, however, notwithstanding this, it is not inappropriate and would utilise a large, potentially underused, space, creating jobs and investment.
“The implementation of this development would enable the currently vacant ground floor to be brought back into use, creating employment opportunities. The proposed ground floor retail use would be consistent with the current use.
“Moreover, sub-division creating smaller units could improve their appeal to future occupants, potentially making them more likely to be occupied.
“The proposals would improve vitality and viability of the centre if implemented.”
A statement included with the application by Mr Ellahi said: “The proposal is to utilise and rejuvenate this prominent and vacant plot.
“As the area is mixed use – including residential – all necessary services will be readily available to integrate within the site. The central location means that the usual requirements for parking and amenity space will not apply.
“However, this will be a very attractive location for people of all ages and circumstances to enjoy the benefits of city centre living.”
