Eyesore Website To End Up Being Student Accommodation

10 February 2026
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Christian BarnettLocal Democracy Reporter, Wolverhampton


New student accommodation and stores will be constructed as part of an effort to revive an 100-year-old city centre building.


A preparation application to transform the structure 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 said the "considerable financial investment" would bring tasks along with shops and lodging to a vacant building.


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


The "underused" upper floors would be turned into student accommodation and the structure's basement would also be into a gym, sauna and steam bath for trainees.


A report from the council outlining the choice stated: "The proposals would create substantial investment, consisting of great quality student lodging and re-using existing business area at this essential place. This is most likely to produce employment chances here.


"There are a variety of possible drinking facilities close by, nevertheless, there are a variety of existing residential usages already in this area and therefore, it is unlikely that introducing trainee lodging here would be hazardous to the night-time economy or the practicality of the centre."


Most of the near-100-year-old Art Deco building, nestled between bookies Betfred and Paddy Power, has been empty given that 2015 when furniture professional E Marsh transferred.


They blamed long-running roadworks to pedestrianise Princess Street, declaring it had actually pushed business "previous breaking point."


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


A relocate to open a dining establishment in the empty building was approved by the council in 2018 however the work was never ever carried out.


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