Eyesore Website To End Up Being Student Accommodation

10 February 2026
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Christian BarnettLocal Democracy Reporter, Wolverhampton


New student lodging and shops will be developed as part of an effort to revive an 100-year-old city centre structure.


A preparation application to convert the building at 2-5 Princess Street, Wolverhampton, into 22 student flats and new retail systems has been authorized by City of Wolverhampton Council.


The regional authority said the "significant investment" would bring tasks in addition to shops and lodging to a vacant building.


Plans sent by PH8 Investments show the former ground flooring store, which has actually been empty for a years, would be transformed into new retail systems.


The "underused" upper floors would be developed into student lodging and the building's basement would also be into a gym, sauna and steam bath for students.


A report from the council laying out the choice said: "The propositions would develop considerable investment, consisting of great quality student accommodation and re-using existing industrial space at this essential location. This is most likely to produce work chances here.


"There are a number of prospective drinking establishments nearby, nevertheless, there are a number of existing property uses already in this area and for that reason, it is not likely that introducing student accommodation here would be hazardous to the night-time economy or the viability of the centre."


Most of the near-100-year-old Art Deco building, nestled between bookies Betfred and Paddy Power, has actually been empty since 2015 when furnishings specialist E Marsh relocated.


They blamed long-running roadworks to pedestrianise Princess Street, declaring it had pushed business "past breaking point."


The previous upholsterers, which has actually been empty for several years and has ended up being an increasing eyesore, would be converted into new retail systems with the planning application saying the area could be used for a coffee shop or offices.


A relocate to open a dining establishment in the empty building was authorized by the council in 2018 but the work was never brought out.


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