Wolverhampton's former Royal Hospital poised to become new homes 20 years after wards closed

The grand hospital has emerged back onto the city's skyline since the former bus depot was demolished. And now the Homes and Communities Agency, which owns the hospital site, is preparing to unveil plans for the grand building.

Work is already under way to turn the old bus and tram depot - also owned by the HCA - into 150 new homes. And proposals are now in the pipeline to develop the listed Royal Hospital building for residential use too with the HCA expected to reveal details over the coming weeks.

The news has been welcomed by both former staff of the hospital and residents who have enjoyed seeing the grand building back in full view.

Jeanette Hillman, aged 58, of Darlaston, completed her nurse training at the hospital from 1978 to 1981. She worked on a ward there for a year before going out into the community.

She is now a nurse educator in Birmingham and last year organised a reunion of former colleagues and staff of the Royal Hospital.

She said: "I would welcome any plans to develop the site and to maintain its character.

"I am so pleased that the Hospital is now back on the horizon and in people's minds again.

"We are hoping that the developers will keep as much of the original character of the place as they can. We had a nice idea of calling wings of the flats after the different wards or something like that to mark its history and heritage."

Councillor Peter Bilson, cabinet member for city assets and housing, said: "People have obviously seen the Royal Hospital come back into view through the demolition of the former bus and tram depot and this has opened up the site to its former glory.

"We would welcome and support any application by the HCA to preserve and sensitively develop the former hospital.

"It is important that any plans sensitively recognise its importance in Wolverhampton and its prominence in the city's skyline.

"I look forward to seeing what it put forward."

Since the former bus and tram depot has been demolished, people have taken to social media to express their love of the former hospital and their hopes that it will be maintained.

Tweeting about the site, Travel Tom @thetomstokes said: "Never in my life have I seen such a beautiful sight from #Wolverhampton Ring Road as The Royal Hospital - visible now as bus depot has gone.

"I can't believe the response I've had to this Tweet. @WolvesCouncil does the view really have to be blocked again?"

People have called the building 'beautiful', 'spectacular' and 'stunning'.

Natalie Lowe said on Twitter: "Stunning building. Was that surprised by sudden appearance I had to go round the roundabout twice as missed my turn" whilst Julie Williams said: "I agree Tom, it's a beautiful building, such a shame it's been hidden all of these years by such an ugly one."

The HCA bought the site in 2016. The hospital closed back in 1997 and the site has become increasingly run down ever since.

It is understood that plans to develop the former hospital are to be submitted in a few weeks' time.