Eyesore Website To End Up Being Student Accommodation

10 February 2026
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Christian BarnettLocal Democracy Reporter, Wolverhampton


New and shops will be built as part of an attempt to breathe new life into an 100-year-old city centre structure.


A planning application to transform the building 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 stated the "considerable financial investment" would bring tasks along with stores and accommodation to an uninhabited building.


Plans submitted by PH8 Investments reveal the former ground flooring shop, which has been empty for a decade, would be transformed into new retail units.


The "underused" upper floorings would be developed into student accommodation and the structure's basement would also be transformed into a fitness center, sauna and steam bath for trainees.


A report from the council outlining the decision said: "The proposals would develop significant investment, including excellent quality student lodging and re-using existing industrial space at this crucial area. This is most likely to create work opportunities here.


"There are a number of possible drinking facilities nearby, nevertheless, there are a variety of existing domestic usages currently in this vicinity and for that reason, it is not likely that presenting student accommodation here would be damaging to the night-time economy or the practicality of the centre."


Most of the near-100-year-old Art Deco building, nestled in between bookmakers Betfred and Paddy Power, has actually been empty since 2015 when furniture specialist E Marsh moved.


They blamed long-running roadworks to pedestrianise Princess Street, claiming it had pressed business "past breaking point."


The former upholsterers, which has been empty for several years and has ended up being an increasing eyesore, would be transformed into brand-new retail systems with the preparation application saying the space might be utilized for a cafe or offices.


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


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