Apartments plan for 19th century former offices in Wolverhampton
A 19th century former office building in Wolverhampton city centre is to be turned into 11 new residential apartments, under new plans.
The four-storey Grade ll listed building in Queen Street has been unoccupied for around a year.
Applicant Mariusz Wojcik, from Bilston, has applied for permission to transform the building into three self-contained studio apartments, five two-bedroom and three one-bedroom flats.
The property is currently in a poor state of disrepair inside, is not insulated and does not have double glazing or lift access. There are also signs of large-scale dry rot to some areas of the building.
A design and access statement submitted alongside the plans says: “Accommodation is arranged over four floors which includes the extensive cellar. As you travel up over the floors the quality and quantity of the original features lessens.
“So does the internal condition of the building, which is dated and below average. There are signs that deterioration is beginning to worsen.
“Queen Street first came about in the 1750s, and prior to this much of the land in this area was croft and meadow. The street was known for small metal trades such as brass and iron founding, buckle making and tin plating.
“It saw the town’s first public dispensary for treating the poor and the first large-scale post office.”
The statement adds: “The new owners feel that an ideal use for the building would to be a conversion to residential status. This would introduce new tenants who would maintain the building.
“The majority of these tenants would be either students or professionals working in the city centre, both of which often do not have cars. This would also return the building to its original use of housing.
“In its current state the building is having a detrimental effect on the street scene. The proposed scheme would be a good opportunity to breathe some life back into the run-down property, whilst also offering the chance to put back some of its original features.
“Queen Street plays host to various buildings with various uses including many small retail outlets, bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as the large prominent Express and Star building adjacent.”
The applicant has proposed to retain and reuse the building’s original features where possible.
Wolverhampton Council planners are set to discuss the application in the near future.
