A historic property in Wolverhampton that was formerly home to the Express & Star's employment services offices has been granted listed building consent for a conversion into 11 new apartments.
The 19th century Grade II listed building in Queen Street previously housed Star Employment Services, but has been unoccupied for more than a year.
It is hoped the transformation into into three studio apartments, five two-bedroom and three one-bedroom flats will enhance the surrounding area, as well as increasing residential accommodation in the city centre.
A planning statement submitted by applicant Mariusz Wojcik from Bilston said: "The property is currently in a poor state of disrepair inside. It is not insulated and does not have double glazing or a lift. There are also signs of large-scale dry rot to some areas.
"The internal condition of the building is dated and below average and there are signs that deterioration is beginning to worsen.
"In its current state the building is having a detrimental effect on the street scene. The proposed scheme would be a good opportunity to breathe some life back into a run-down property, whilst also offering the chance to put back some of the original features.
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"Accommodation will be arranged over four floors, which includes the extensive cellar. As you travel up over the floors the quality and quantity of the original features lessens.
"A conversion to residential status would introduce new tenants, the majority of whom would be either students or professionals working in the city centre, both of which often do not have cars," added the statement.
Star Employment Services finally stopped using the building due to the lack of modern facilities inside and a lack of suitable parking outside.
Prior to the construction of the Express & Star offices, the property was part of a terrace of similar houses between the Assembly Rooms and the site of the Congregational Chapel on the corner of Princess Street.
However, now only numbers 56 and 57 survive next to the Job Centre. The new development would return the building to its original use of housing.
"By converting this building from a use it is no longer required for into one that can be utilised effectively, this would also go a long way towards reducing the amount of disused buildings in the city ," said the statement.
Queen Street first developed in the 1750s. Prior to this much of the surrounding area was croft land and meadow. The street was known for small metal trades such as brass and iron founding, buckle making and tin plating.
