Former Wolverhampton city centre nightclub to become apartments
A former nightclub in Wolverhampton city centre that closed two years ago is to be turned into nine luxury apartments, planning bosses said this week.
The Outback in Queen Street – next door to the Express & Star offices – has remained closed since March 2020, after having its licence suspended following suspected links to a stabbing in the street outside.
A Grade II* listed building that dates back to the early 1800s, the building was previously used as a library and also served as the county court for many years.
It later reopened as Chancellors nightclub, then the Australian-themed Walkabout before finally being renamed The Outback.
Paul Thomas, of Venture SPV Courthouse Limited, in Sutton Coldfield, has now been given permission to transform the historic premises into upmarket city centre accommodation.
A design and access statement issued by Thorne Architecture, the agents acting on behalf of Mr Thomas, said: “This is one of the remaining buildings of quality in Wolverhampton – and specifically Queen Street.
“Originally a residential street with some civic buildings, the conversion of the building restores some of this character.
“The exterior of the building will be refurbished and restored with stucco repairs, and secondary glazing will also be installed.
“Windows which are beyond repair will be replaced with matching hardwood windows.
“Internally, the layout of the apartments will result in minimal structural alterations, and historic details such as dados, cornices and other decorative elements which give the building its character will be retained,” added the report.
“The mezzanine treatment of the apartments will also capitalise on and keep the integrity of the lofty spaces which characterise the building’s interior.
“Given the site’s close location to transport links, with the national rail network a short walk away, there is the opportunity to reside at the converted building without the ownership of a car.”
A heritage statement from Shrewsbury-based chartered surveyors Berrys said: “The site is located in the heart of Wolverhampton’s city centre conservation area, which is characterised by early 19th Century former residential houses and civic buildings.
“Queen Street was laid out after neighbouring King Street, and by the time of the 1842 Tithe Survey acted as the main street in Wolverhampton – hosting the original tram system, where visitors were directed from the train to the Queen’s Building and into Queen Street.
“The site itself is a purpose-built building, formerly a single-storey public library dating back to 1816, with assembly rooms added later.
“The first municipal elections took place there in May 1848, which formed the newly incorporated Wolverhampton Borough Council – again reflecting the building’s prestigious position in the city,” said the statement.
“This development retains all the existing external and internal fabric, only inserting internal walls where necessary. It will be a viable use of a heritage asset that is currently vacant and in need of repair.”
