Flats plan set to go-ahead at historic Wolverhampton city centre building
A large Victorian building in Wolverhampton city centre that was originally built as offices looks set to be transformed into 22 new one-bedroom flats.
Gresham Chambers, opposite St Peter’s Church and Gardens in Lichfield Street, has been granted listed building consent for the proposed development.
The four-storey Grade II listed building has shops on the ground floor and plans have been submitted to turn the remaining three floors into rented living accommodation.
Built around 1880, Gresham Chambers has been described as an example of Jacobean architecture, and over the years has housed a variety of companies including accountants and solicitors above ground floor commercial outlets.
The application has been made by Wolverhampton-based developers Uppal and Singh Properties Ltd, currently based at Gresham Chambers.
In a statement issued alongside the plans, agents Sigma Home Solutions said: “The proposal to convert this office building into 22 flats is vital to the preservation of the building.
“Currently it is largely vacant due to the fact businesses prefer more modern office buildings. Should the building remain vacant it could have a detrimental effect and lead to potential dilapidation.
Activity
“Developing the building into apartments improves the likelihood of occupancy. This would satisfy a requirement for much-needed housing and also provide an economic benefit by increasing activity in the city centre.
“Lichfield Street is a busy, bustling area with a lot of activity. A few of the buildings on the street are Grade II listed and the art gallery is Grade II* listed.
“The shop fronts have undergone significant changes over the years and are now notably different from the original shop fronts built. However, the front of the building is without question an attractive and distinctive facade which should be preserved and maintained.
“Internally the building has gone through significant alterations and unfortunately lost many original features. Where features such as fireplaces, skirting, coving and window and door frame details remain, they will be retained,” added the report.
“These dwellings will be modestly sized with a traditional layout of lounge and kitchenette, bedrooms and shower rooms.”
Councillor Roger Lawrence said: “I support the principle of bringing upper floors back into use in the city centre, and we have many examples of living over shops schemes.
“The key is that the flats are of sufficient size, do not rely on shared facilities and that attention is paid to security, waste collection and maintaining the character of the building.”
Councillor Lynne Moran added that as a council, Wolverhampton was “broadly in support of creating living space in the city above businesses”.
