Ex-Lloyds Bank building could be turned into flats

The former home of Lloyds Bank in Wolverhampton's city centre could be turned into flats.

Permission has been sought from the city council to convert the 148-year-old Grade II-listed building, on Queen Square, into 20 flats and a new cafe.

Planners hope to refurbish the existing façade and make repairs to the modern extension to address the current deterioration, an application submitted by Wingate Associates said.

Lloyds Bank announced it would be leaving the historic building and relocating to a new branch in the nearby Mander Centre last year.

Planners have said they intend to make use of the ground floor's 19th century 'Italianate' Italian Renaissance-inspired features including the grand entrance, etched windows, plinths and pillars.

The four-storey former bank dates back to 1878. Queens Cinema was built next to the bank in 1914 which was then converted into a ballroom in the late 1950s.

The ballroom was demolished in 1970 with the existing side and rear extension built to provide offices for the existing bank in 1980. The bank was listed in the intervening years.

A statement included with the application said: "The proposals will provide an improvement to the historic building through a sensitive approach to the listed elements.

"The conversion reinforces the local distinctiveness by providing a continuous use of the building and enhancing its economic viability by adopting a different use."

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

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.