Eyesore Website To Become Student Accommodation
10 February 2026
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Christian BarnettLocal Democracy Reporter, Wolverhampton
New trainee lodging and stores will be constructed as part of an effort to revive an 100-year-old city centre structure.
A planning application to convert the structure at 2-5 Princess Street, Wolverhampton, into 22 student flats and brand-new retail systems has actually been authorized by City of Wolverhampton Council.
The local authority stated the "significant investment" would bring jobs as well as shops and to a vacant building.
Plans submitted by PH8 Investments show the previous ground floor store, which has been empty for a decade, would be converted into new retail systems.
The "underused" upper floorings would be developed into trainee lodging and the building's basement would likewise be transformed into a gym, sauna and steam space for students.
A report from the council describing the choice stated: "The proposals would produce substantial investment, consisting of good quality student lodging and re-using existing business area at this important area. This is most likely to create job opportunity here.
"There are a number of possible drinking establishments nearby, however, there are a number of existing residential uses already in this area and for that reason, it is not likely that introducing trainee accommodation here would be damaging to the night-time economy or the viability of the centre."
Most of the near-100-year-old Art Deco structure, nestled in between bookies Betfred and Paddy Power, has actually been empty given that 2015 when furniture specialist E Marsh relocated.
They blamed long-running roadworks to pedestrianise Princess Street, declaring it had pushed business "previous snapping point."
The previous upholsterers, which has been empty for many years and has become an increasing eyesore, would be converted into new retail units with the planning application saying the space might be utilized for a coffee shop or workplaces.
A relocate to open a restaurant in the empty building was approved by the council in 2018 however the work was never performed.
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