How eyesore former Charles Clark Rover building could look after overhaul
This image shows how the eyesore former Charles Clark Rover dealership in Chapel Ash could look after its multi-million pound transformation into new flats.
The building has been derelict for around 15 years and is a source of embarrassment to civic leaders because it is one of the first things people see as they approach Wolverhampton city centre.
Developer Kultar Dale said the new look would be a complete overhaul of the building, which he has owned for around five years.
He said: "It's on a major gateway into Wolverhampton so I hope people will be pleased with it. The first phase will include apartments and should take between six and nine months to complete.
"It will start in mid-March. The apartments will help students in the area because it is within walking distance of the university and they will be cheaper than student accommodation, I think.
"The apartments will be for rent. All of the contractors are local people too as I believe in supporting that."
The overhaul of the dilapidated site has been in the pipeline for years but has so far not begun. The development also includes 5,550 sq ft of shop space.
Mr Dale said two local retailers and one "major name" were involved in talks to use it. He added: "Contracts will be signed imminently for the retail space but we can't say with whom yet." The project will tie in with plans for the former Wolverhampton Eye Infirmary, which is in line to become shops and a care home, under a scheme that would create 200 jobs.
Former Poundland owner Steve Smith, Scott Bernard of Mount Hotel owners Aspen Leisure and family-run Select Healthcare, and Rodger Danks of property company RDI Group, bought the site from the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust last year.
They are planning to keep the iconic towers and as much of the original 1888 building as possible.
