Apartments plan for former Marks & Spencer store

An empty former Wolverhampton department store could become 71 new apartments, according to proposals submitted to the city council this week.

Nottingham-based ALB Group is planning to convert all four floors of the former Marks & Spencer store on Dudley Street for residential use, albeit with a retail frontage maintained on the city’s main shopping area.

M&S announced the shock closure of one if its oldest stores earlier this year, ending nearly 100 years of trading in the city.

The 90,000 sq ft department store, located close to Wolverhampton’s city centre conservation area, closed its doors for good at the end of September, with the retailer eyeing up alternative sites in the city.

But the building may not be empty for long, if conversion plans by new owners are approved by the city council – with a plan to convert the upper floors and part of the ground floor into residential units now on the table.

The proposal also includes plans to demolish part of the building to make space for a residential court-yard area.

No car parking is proposed as part of the scheme, with ALB saying its central location “naturally supports reduced car dependency and promotes sustainable modes of travel.”

Bicycle storage is included as part of the plans.

“The proposed development involves a change of use of part of the ground floor to provide residential access, residential units and communal facilities, while retaining retail uses along Dudley Street,” said an application by ALB, lodged this week.

“Retail activity along Dudley Street will be maintained, preserving the commercial character and vitality of the area. Any external changes to the building are to be minimal and carefully designed to respect the appearance of the surrounding streetscape and the setting of the conservation area.”

Application documents relating to the scheme can be found on City of Wolverhampton Council’s planning portal using reference: 25/01365/PAOTH