Go ahead for M&S flats plan shows ‘confidence’ in city
An empty Wolverhampton department store will become apartments and retail units after plans to convert the Dudley Street building were approved by the city council.
Developers ALB Group and Prosperity Group lodged a plan to convert all four floors of the former Marks & Spencer store for residential use last month, following the shock closure of the city centre store in September.
The proposals will see 71 modern apartments created in the building, with retail units facing the city’s busy shopping area to be divided into three units aimed at attracting “a mix of independent and national occupiers”.
Part of the building will be demolished to create a court yard for residents, according to plans submitted to the city council in December.
The council gave the thumbs-up to the proposals this week.
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city development, said the scheme reflected a pattern of changing city centre uses.
“We are delighted planning approval has been granted for this important site at the heart of our city centre and look forward to it being swiftly brought back into use,” he said.
“It’s clear that city and town centres across the country are changing, and in Wolverhampton we are undergoing major transformation, driven by the council’s vision to reinvent the city centre and ensure it thrives.
“This is exactly the type of scheme we want to see and demonstrates great confidence in our city.
“We also continue to work with M&S in their search to identify suitable locations for a food hall in Wolverhampton that fits their new business model.”
The project is a joint venture between the Nottingham-based ALB Group and Birmingham-based Prosperity Group, who say the building is already attracting “strong interest” from future tenants.
Work on the scheme is expected to begin imminently.
“This building has been part of Wolverhampton’s story for generations, and we’re determined to ensure it has a meaningful future,” added Arran Bailey, Managing Director at ALB Group.
“By creating a mixed-use blend of homes and retail, we’re helping to build a more sustainable and vibrant city centre. We’ve done this successfully across the UK, and Wolverhampton is exactly the kind of place where regeneration can make a real difference.”
