Plans Unveiled for Student Accommodation in Wolverhampton

A planning application has been submitted to the City of Wolverhampton Council for a significant redevelopment project aimed at transforming a long-vacant building at 2-5 Princess Street into student accommodation and retail spaces. The proposal, made by PH8 Investments, seeks to convert the upper floors of the structure into 22 student flats, while the ground floor, which has remained empty since 2015, would be repurposed into new retail units.

The building, an almost century-old art deco structure, has been largely unoccupied since the relocation of the upholstery firm E Marsh. The business cited prolonged roadworks aimed at pedestrianising Princess Street as a critical factor in its decision to move, stating that these disruptions had pushed operations “past breaking point.”

In addition to the student flats, the basement of the building is proposed to be converted into amenities for residents, including a gym, sauna, and steam room. This redevelopment intends to address the ongoing concern regarding the building’s contribution to the local environment, as noted in the planning application. A statement from the applicants highlighted that “the building has remained largely vacant for several years, particularly on upper floors, contributing little to the street scene.”

Plans to invigorate the area are timely, especially following the recent approval of the new WV1 Cocktail Bar, which will open in another long-empty establishment on Princess Street. The cocktail bar will occupy the former site of the Revolution bar, which closed its doors in 2013.

Previous attempts to revive the space have met with limited success. In 2018, a proposal to open a restaurant within the same building was approved by the council, but those plans never came to fruition. The current application aims not only to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the street but also to provide much-needed accommodation for students in Wolverhampton, as the demand for housing continues to rise.

The revitalization of this site reflects broader efforts in Wolverhampton to improve urban spaces and support the local economy. As the council reviews the application, there is hope that this redevelopment will signify a positive step towards integrating the building back into the vibrant city centre.

With the growing number of students in the area, particularly from nearby universities, the introduction of student accommodation could serve to alleviate some of the housing pressures while also bringing new life to a building that has become an eyesore over the years. The outcome of the planning application is expected to be announced in the coming months, marking a critical moment in the future of Princess Street.