Eyesore Site To Become Student Accommodation

10 February 2026
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Christian BarnettLocal Democracy Reporter, Wolverhampton


New student accommodation and shops will be developed as part of an attempt to breathe brand-new life into an 100-year-old city centre building.


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


The regional authority said the "substantial investment" would bring tasks along with stores and accommodation to an uninhabited building.


Plans sent by PH8 Investments show the previous ground flooring shop, which has actually been empty for a years, would be transformed into new retail systems.


The "underused" upper floorings would be become trainee lodging and the building's basement would likewise be converted into a gym, sauna and steam bath for students.


A report from the council outlining the choice said: "The propositions would develop substantial financial investment, consisting of great quality trainee lodging and re-using existing commercial area at this essential location. This is likely to develop employment chances here.


"There are a number of establishments nearby, however, there are a variety of existing residential usages currently in this area and therefore, it is not likely that presenting student accommodation here would be harmful to the night-time economy or the viability of the centre."


Most of the near-100-year-old Art Deco structure, nestled in between bookmakers Betfred and Paddy Power, has been empty given that 2015 when furnishings specialist E Marsh relocated.


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


The former upholsterers, which has been empty for several years and has actually ended up being an increasing eyesore, would be converted into new retail units with the preparation application saying the area could be utilized for a coffee shop or workplaces.


A relocate to open a dining establishment in the empty structure was approved by the council in 2018 but the work was never performed.


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