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


The local authority stated the "significant investment" would bring jobs as well as stores and lodging to an uninhabited building.


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


The "underused" upper would be become trainee lodging and the structure's basement would likewise be converted into a fitness center, sauna and steam space for trainees.


A report from the council laying out the choice stated: "The propositions would develop significant financial investment, including good quality trainee accommodation and re-using existing industrial space at this crucial location. This is likely to create employment opportunities here.


"There are a number of prospective drinking facilities close by, however, there are a number of existing residential uses currently in this area and therefore, it is unlikely that presenting trainee lodging here would be harmful to the night-time economy or the viability of the centre."


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


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


The former upholsterers, which has been empty for several years and has actually ended up being an increasing eyesore, would be transformed into new retail systems with the preparation application stating the area might be used for a coffee shop or workplaces.


A relocation to open a restaurant in the empty building was authorized by the council in 2018 but the work was never ever performed.


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