The former factory and YMCA offices in Wolverhampton city centre will be converted into new flats
New flats are set to be built in Wolverhampton city centre after a plan to convert a former factory and offices was approved.
The application to convert the former factory and YMCA offices in Temple Street into 14 apartments has been welcomed by City of Wolverhampton Council which said the “important” building would be brought back into use.
A report outlining the council’s decision said: “This is an important heritage building, it being one of the last remaining buildings of its type locally.
“A scheme to retain and enhance this building is appropriate in principle. The exterior of the building is in poor condition.
“It has also been unsympathetically modified and altered previously.
“The proposals would enhance the building, bringing it fully back into use, creating new residential units and significant investment in this part of the city centre.
“The scheme would provide good quality homes here and also include a requirement for renewable energy at this site, which would enhance sustainability.”
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An application to convert the building into nine flats was approved by the council last year but would be extended by an extra floor to make way for more flats under the latest plans.
The building had been empty for several years, left to rot, and fallen into a state of disrepair, according to the application.
The remaining former factory and several industrial bays next to the now-empty building were demolished in 2008 and 2009 with its old offices kept in place.
The vacant land was then converted into a car park for the nearby Genting Casino in Temple Street in 2016.
The planning application said the new flats would have a “positive impact” on the surrounding area.
“The building is within the setting of the grade II listed Church of St John and the locally listed White Hart, although it is not an important part of the setting of either,” a statement said.
“It is also visible from two conservation areas. The proposals will keep the external decorative details which make the building unique, while improving the appearance through rendering the newly exposed eastern wall.
“The raised roof level will also improve the sense of unity with its neighbour.”