Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre in restaurant plan

Bosses at the Lichfield Street theatre have made inquiries about taking over the building next door, which has been empty since the post office moved 15m across the road two years ago.

Chief executive Adrian Jackson said that the Grand needed to expand in order to bring in more revenue.

He said that inquiries had been made to 'buy and develop' the neighbouring building, which was ditched by the Post Office under modernisation plans in 2013.

The location of the Grand Theatre means the site is the only reasonable opportunity for expansion, Mr Jackson told a meeting of Wolverhampton council's Stronger City Economy Scrutiny Panel.

He said a proposal to take over the 4,702sq ft (1,433sq m) site was currently being developed, with a preferred option of creating the Grand's own on-site restaurant.

Councillor Martin Waite, who sits on the council panel, said the move would be 'fabulous' for the city.

"The Grand is trying to persuade the owner of the former post office building to do a deal at the right price," he said.

"Too often people come into the city, watch a show at the theatre and then leave. As a council we want people to spend more time at venues like the Grand to increase revenue.

"By having a restaurant next door to the theatre, people would be able to have a meal before a show. There's certainly a strong business case for this happening."

The property is being marketed by agents JLL and is touted as being 'suitable for restaurant or other leisure use, subject to planning'.

Since the post office closed, the building has become an eyesore and is regularly targeted by fly-posters.

The Grand is undergoing an £800,000 revamp, featuring a new front-of-house area and an Encore Lounge providing live music and comedy.

The work has been joint funded by the theatre and Wolverhampton council, with a revamped stalls bar and foyer also part of the plans.

The theatre is still on the lookout for corporate partners to sponsor the redevelopment.