Eyesore Website To Become Student Accommodation

10 February 2026
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Christian BarnettLocal Democracy Reporter, Wolverhampton


New student accommodation and stores will be developed as part of an attempt to breathe brand-new life into an 100-year-old city centre structure.


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


The local authority stated the "substantial financial investment" would bring tasks in addition to stores and lodging to an uninhabited structure.


Plans sent by PH8 Investments show the previous ground floor shop, which has been empty for a decade, would be converted into new retail units.


The "underused" upper floors would be become student lodging and the structure's basement would also be transformed into a gym, sauna and steam room for students.


A report from the council laying out the decision stated: "The propositions would produce considerable financial investment, consisting of great quality trainee accommodation and re-using existing industrial space at this essential place. This is likely to develop job opportunity here.


"There are a variety of possible nearby, nevertheless, there are a number of existing property usages already in this area and therefore, it is unlikely that introducing trainee accommodation here would be damaging to the night-time economy or the viability of the centre."


Most of the near-100-year-old Art Deco structure, nestled in between bookies Betfred and Paddy Power, has actually been empty considering that 2015 when furnishings specialist E Marsh transferred.


They blamed long-running roadworks to pedestrianise Princess Street, declaring it had pressed the organization "previous breaking point."


The former upholsterers, which has been empty for several years and has ended up being an increasing eyesore, would be converted into brand-new retail units with the planning application stating the space might be utilized for a coffee shop or offices.


A relocation to open a restaurant in the empty structure was approved by the council in 2018 however the work was never brought out.


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