Hotel planned for landmark tower block in Wolverhampton city centre

A spokeswoman for Travelodge told the Express & Star: "We are unable to provide a comment on this at this time, however Travelodge does have an active requirement to open a new hotel in Wolverhampton."

The high-rise office block sits above the Mander Shopping Centre and was debated at a Wolverhampton Council meeting in December 2022.

Conservative group leader Councillor Wendy Thompson said she understood the building was in line to become a hotel.

She added that "no-one knew who owned the building or what it was being used for", as ownership had changed over the past few years.

Now, development management specialists Bankfoot APAM claim that proposals have been made for the tower block to be turned into a chain of the budget hotel, with space also planned for food and beverage businesses.

In addition, 20,000 sq ft of the building is also said to become refurbished employment space.

Outlining the proposals, the development business said: "A comprehensive regeneration of a covered town centre retail centre, Bankfoot APAM are working with investors to deliver a mix of alternative uses.

"As part of the phased proposals, a new 90-bed town centre hotel with associated food and beverage offer will be delivered, along with 20,000 sq ft of refurbished employment space.

"Bankfoot APAM are providing Development Management for the scheme on behalf of overseas investors."

In a council meeting last December, Wolverhampton's cabinet member for city economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: "The owners have told us that there is interest in both the Mander Centre and Mander House off the back of ongoing investments that they have brought into the city.

"Their asset managers are processing long and short-term lets whilst a comprehensive redevelopment plan is put in place.

"Rest assured that this council will always continue to support whoever wants to come and invest in this city, which is the right and proper thing for a responsible authority to do."

Councillor Wendy Thompson replied: "This is obviously adding to the considerable amount of empty properties that we already have in the city centre. So this is not exactly a vote of confidence in the city then, which is a pity."

Describing Mander House, charted surveyor company Bulleys said: "The accommodation is split over nine floors served by passenger lifts from a central reception area above the main retail shopping centre and off the roof top car park.

"It has frontages to Bell Street, Mander Square and Dudley Street. A wide variety of retail and service sector amenities are located within the immediate vicinity and Wolverhampton intercity Railway Station, The Midland Metro terminals and the main City Centre Bus Station are all a short distance away."

A City of Wolverhampton Council spokesperson said: “Travelodge’s interest in Wolverhampton and any proposals for a new hotel to provide increased provision in the city is welcome. We await the specific details and timescales with continued interest.”

The Express & Star has contacted Bankfoot APAM for comment.