Shop rebuild plan to boost Wolverhampton city centre

Wolverhampton Council planners are considering a proposal to demolish the structurally unsound 17 Broad Street and rebuild it to create a ground floor shop and a flat on each of the first and second floors.

As part of the plans, the neighbouring shop at number 19 will have its frontage rebuilt with two flats on the above floors.

There is currently a phone shop in number 17 and a takeaway in number 19 and the properties sit in a conservation area.

But applicant Mekawy Morsy said the work is needed and will enhance the vitality of the area with the reconstruction matching the original appearance as much as possible.

Mr Morsy has secured planning permission to redevelop other run-down empty properties on Broad Street and create new shops and apartments.

Agent Robert Robinson said: “The areas in the vicinity of the proposal are in dire need of investment and upgrading of existing properties.

Impact

“As a consequence of this any improvement to this area would have a positive impact on the surroundings and conservation area and encourage other people to invest.

“The existing building particularly No 17 is in a poor structural condition and would need considerable remedial works which would damage the façade and architectural details.

“Nos 17 and 19 have already had works carried out to the detriment of its original heritage.

“The rebuilding would bring the properties back to its former glory and will be carefully managed.

“By keeping No 17 as a retail unit and as a corner property would give it more impact and hopefully provide more retail units in the locality and help with the viability of the centre.

“My client Mekawy Morsy has planning permission for Nos 5 to 15 Broad Street to convert into shops and flats. This in combination with works to Nos 17-19 should vastly improve the area and should be welcomed.”