10 February 2026
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Christian BarnettLocal Democracy Reporter, Wolverhampton
New trainee lodging and stores will be developed as part of an effort to revive an 100-year-old city centre building.
A preparation application to convert the building at 2-5 Princess Street, Wolverhampton, into 22 student flats and new retail units has been approved by City of Wolverhampton Council.
The regional authority said the "considerable financial investment" would bring jobs as well as stores and lodging to an uninhabited building.
Plans sent by PH8 Investments show the previous ground floor shop, which has actually been empty for a decade, would be transformed into brand-new retail systems.
The "underused" upper floorings would be become student accommodation and the building's basement would also be converted into a fitness center, sauna and steam room for students.
A report from the council laying out the choice said: "The proposals would create substantial financial investment, including great quality student accommodation and re-using existing industrial area at this crucial area. This is likely to create job opportunity here.
"There are a variety of possible drinking establishments close by, nevertheless, there are a number of existing property uses already in this vicinity and for that reason, it is not likely that introducing student lodging here would be damaging to the night-time economy or the practicality of the centre."
The majority of the near-100-year-old Art Deco building, nestled in between bookies Betfred and Paddy Power, has been empty because 2015 when furniture expert E Marsh relocated.
They blamed long-running roadworks to pedestrianise Princess Street, claiming it had pushed business "past breaking point."
The former upholsterers, which has actually been empty for years and has become an increasing eyesore, would be transformed into brand-new retail units with the planning application stating the area might be used for a coffee shop or workplaces.
A relocate to open a restaurant in the empty building was authorized by the council in 2018 but the work was never brought out.
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