Approval given for former M&S to become flats

A former Marks and Spencer store is to be converted into more than 70 flats.

The empty department store in Dudley Street, Wolverhampton, closed permanently in September after nearly 100 years in the city.

Plans announced last year to create 71 one-and-two-bed flats after have been approved by City of Wolverhampton Council.

All four floors would be converted into flats with retail units kept along Dudley Street, the city's main shopping thoroughfare, as part of the application by Nottingham-based ALB Group who bought the store for more than £3m last year.

A Home Values store opened in December as a temporary tenant while ALB works on the new retail and flats plan.

After M&S closed, the retail giant said it was committed to remaining in the city and has been eyeing Wolverhampton's historic former Banks's Brewery, which also recently shut its doors, as a new home.

A statement included with the flats application said: "The building is located adjacent to, but outside of, the Wolverhampton city centre conservation area.

"The proposed development involves a change of use of part of the ground floor to provide residential access, residential units and communal facilities, while retaining retail uses along Dudley Street.

"The proposal has been designed to ensure that the development does not adversely affect the character or setting of the nearby conservation area.

"Retail activity along Dudley Street will be maintained, preserving the commercial character and vitality of the area."

Any external changes to the building would be minimal and "carefully designed to respect the appearance of the surrounding streetscape" and the setting of the conservation area, it added.

A residential courtyard has also been designed which would provide an amenity to the proposed residential units without impacting the external streetscape.

The developer announced plans for the flats in December.

Speaking at the time, councillor Chris Burden said officials were keen to see the "important site at the heart of our city centre" brought back into use.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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