Beatties 'cannot be left to fall into decline'
It is essential that Wolverhampton's famous Beatties building is not left sitting empty for a sustained period, senior figures have said.
There is growing concern over the future of the historic retailer after a takeover bid by the University of Wolverhampton collapsed.
House of Fraser will move out of Beatties to head to the Mander Centre in the new year, bringing an end to more than 140 years of retail history in the city.
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Officials in the city will be keen that a new buyer is found for the site quickly to avoid it spending a long period dormant and falling into further decline. The main reason for the university pulling out of the deal to buy Beatties was the state of the Victorian building.
The Express & Star understands there are several other parties interested in snapping up the landmark building, including residential developers.
Councillor Wendy Thompson, who leads the Conservatives in Wolverhampton, said: "It's a difficult building. Anyone who knows Beatties knows it's difficult to convert.
"It's a very central building in Wolverhampton and it's very important we get a new purpose for it as soon as we can. I hope there will still be sufficient interest to ensure the building has a future.
"We have to have it occupied otherwise it will be so bad for the centre of Wolverhampton."
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said it was crucial for "another plan" to be found for Beatties.
He said: "This would have been a fantastic solution to the future of this iconic building and its role in the future of Wolverhampton. Another plan is vital as the Beatties building is a critical asset for the city."
Wolverhampton Council has toyed with the idea of buying Beatties to allow the site to continue to be used from the public but has now rowed back on that position in light of concerns raised by the university.
Leader Ian Brookfield said there were "no immediate plans" for the authority to step in.
