Eyesore Site To Become Student Accommodation
10 February 2026
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Christian BarnettLocal Democracy Reporter, Wolverhampton
New student lodging and shops will be constructed as part of an effort to revive an 100-year-old city centre structure.
A planning application to transform the building at 2-5 Princess Street, Wolverhampton, into 22 trainee flats and new retail units has actually been authorized by City of Wolverhampton Council.
The local authority stated the "considerable investment" would bring tasks along with shops and lodging to a vacant structure.
Plans sent by PH8 Investments reveal the former ground flooring store, which has actually been empty for a years, would be converted into new retail systems.
The "underused" upper floors would be developed into trainee lodging and the structure's basement would also be converted into a gym, sauna and steam bath for students.
A report from the council outlining the decision stated: "The propositions would create significant investment, including great quality student lodging and re-using existing business space at this crucial location. This is most likely to create employment opportunities here.
"There are a variety of prospective drinking establishments nearby, however, there are a variety of existing property usages already in this area and therefore, it is unlikely that presenting trainee accommodation here would be hazardous to the night-time economy or the of the centre."
Most of the near-100-year-old Art Deco structure, nestled in between bookmakers Betfred and Paddy Power, has been empty because 2015 when furnishings specialist E Marsh transferred.
They blamed long-running roadworks to pedestrianise Princess Street, declaring it had actually pressed business "previous breaking point."
The previous upholsterers, which has actually been empty for several years and has ended up being an increasing eyesore, would be transformed into new retail units with the preparation application saying the space could be used for a cafe or workplaces.
A transfer to open a restaurant in the empty building was approved by the council in 2018 but the work was never brought out.
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