Former job centre to become shops, hotel and flats

An empty former job centre in Wolverhampton is to become new shops, a hotel and flats.

City of Wolverhampton Council has approved plans to turn the former Chapel Court Job Centre on the corner of Queen Street and Market Street into four new shops, 28 one-and-two-bed flats and a 20-room basement hotel.

The job centre closed in early 2023 and has become a target for vandalism and anti-social behaviour, rendering the prominent city centre building an eyesore.

The planning application was submitted in October 2023 and has now finally been approved the council which said the work would bring an empty and "important" building back to life.

"The proposals would be a significant investment and create a number of new homes at this important location," council planners said in a report outlining the decision.

"Re-purposing the building, from the job centre and offices, into a mixed use development is appropriate in principle.

"The proposals would also create a bespoke, short-stay, hotel facility in the basement."

In his application, property developer Arshad Ellahi said the proposal was "to utilise and rejuvenate this prominent and vacant plot".

The development would be "a very attractive location for people of all ages and circumstances to enjoy the benefits of city centre living", he added.

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

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