Restaurant and flat transformation approved for Wolverhampton Revolution bar
A former bar in Wolverhampton city centre which has stood empty for years will be converted into a restaurant and apartments.
Planners at Wolverhampton Council gave the green light to a proposal put forward by AGJ Properties to transform the old Revolution Bar in Princess Street.
The ground floor will be turned into a restaurant while the upper floors, as well as a rear extension, will see 20 flats created at the site.
Revolution closed in 2013 and has remained empty ever since, while the upper floors have also been disused for many years.
The building sits in the Wolverhampton City Centre Conservation Area and the developers said the work will enhance the building and stop it falling into disrepair.
Council planning officer Andrew Johnson said: “The proposals would create significant investment and a number of new homes at this important location.
“The implementation of this development would enable the ground floor of this heritage asset, which has been vacant for circa seven years, to be brought back into use creating employment opportunities.
“Much of the upper floors here do not appear to have been in regular use for many years.
“The proposals would improve vitality and viability of the centre if implemented.”
A heritage statement as part of the application said: “The front façade will be enhanced by repair and maintenance and therefore avoid further dilapidation and continue to actively positively contributing to the Conservation Area by enhancement of its character and appearance.
“The Conservation Area Management Plan highlights opportunities for enhancement and although residential use is minimal it should be encouraged by good quality refurbishments.
“Due to the high-quality nature of the design, it offers an opportunity to support the regeneration of this part of the city which has begun with the street-scape improvements by the local authority.”
