Eyesore Website To Become Student Accommodation

10 February 2026
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Christian BarnettLocal Democracy Reporter, Wolverhampton


New trainee accommodation and stores will be developed as part of an effort to revive an 100-year-old city centre structure.


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


The local authority stated the "significant financial investment" would bring jobs along with shops and accommodation to an uninhabited structure.


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


The "underused" upper floorings would be developed into trainee lodging and the would also be converted into a health club, sauna and steam bath for trainees.


A report from the council detailing the choice stated: "The proposals would create significant investment, including excellent quality trainee accommodation and re-using existing industrial space at this essential area. This is likely to develop employment chances here.


"There are a number of potential drinking establishments nearby, however, there are a variety of existing domestic uses currently in this vicinity and therefore, it is unlikely that introducing student accommodation here would be harmful to the night-time economy or the practicality of the centre."


The majority of the near-100-year-old Art Deco structure, nestled between bookies Betfred and Paddy Power, has been empty because 2015 when furnishings specialist E Marsh moved.


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


The previous upholsterers, which has been empty for years and has ended up being an increasing eyesore, would be converted into new retail systems with the planning application stating the area might be utilized for a coffee shop or offices.


A transfer to open a dining establishment in the empty building was authorized by the council in 2018 however the work was never ever performed.


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