Landmark Wolverhampton pub could become care home
A pub that used to serve as Billy Wright's local could be bulldozed and replaced with a sprawling 'super' care home creating up to 100 jobs, it can be revealed.
The future of The Claregate pub in Codsall Road has been under threat since Marston's launched a consultation over the site.
Now it has emerged the firm is planning to sell the pub to care home firm Crown Care, who want to build a 'high quality development' catering for up to 76 residents.
Bosses at the Tyne & Wear based firm say the home will look like a five-star hotel and feature a huge cafe and garden area which will be open to the public.
A spokesman for Crown Care said the plans were 'still at an early stage' and that more details would be revealed following a public consultation on Wednesday.
He added: "This is a really high spec development. As well as top facilities it will have a cafe and a large open area that will be open to the public."
The proposal involves a complete demolition of the Claregate, which was built in 1935 and was regularly used by Wolves legend Billy Wright when he was in digs in nearby Burland Avenue in the 1950s.
The home is stated to have between 68 and 76 ensuite bedrooms, catering for residential, nursing and dementia care.
There will be lounge and dining facilities throughout the home, a café, hair salon and multi-activity room, as well as landscaped gardens.
Crown Care say up to 100 jobs will be created, with most of them in full-time roles including nursing staff, carers, cooks, cleaners and gardeners.
Regulars at the pub have started a campaign to try to preserve its future, along with a petition signed by hundreds.
Cyril Randles, of the Tettenhall District Community Council, said he was concerned about the 'huge scale' of the proposals.
"I don't want to rush to judgement but you have to wonder about a project of such size in this particular area," he said.
"The proposal will mean large numbers of staff and visitors in an area that is already congested with traffic. I would also be worried about the height of the property and its impact on the area."
The full proposals will go on show at Christ the King Church, Pendeford Avenue, Aldersley, on Wednesday, from 12pm to 2pm.
