Residential vision returns for city centre office block

How the proposed residential building would look

Plans to replace an office block in Wolverhampton city centre with 113 apartments have been submitted for approval.

The application by Taylor Grange Developments will see Network House on School Street replaced by a six-storey residential development.

Designs for the building have been drawn up by architects Corstorphine + Wright and comprise of 67 one-bedroom and 46 two bedroom apartments, with spaces for 21 cars.

It is the second time the building has been earmarked for demolition in recent years. In 2014 planning permission was granted to Conygar Hanover Street, to knock the building down and build a retail and leisure complex but the plans were never realised.

Originally called ‘Mclean House’ the building was constructed in 1964 as the headquarters for Mclean and Sons Ltd, a Midlands housebuilding company set up in 1920 after during a post-war building boom.

The building comprises ground floor retail units with a first storey above and an additional four-storeys housed within an off-centre tower block, which is now empty.

Network House came before the planning again in 2017, this time to be converted into residential building. The plans were granted permission but also failed to get off the ground.

“The upper floors are redundant, and we are keen for the site to be brought back into use,” said Ragbir Sahota, planning officer.

“The plans are now out for consultation and will come before members of the planning committee in September.”

In a heritage report prepared by CgMs Heritage for Taylor Grange it said the proposals present a high-quality design, using building materials sympathetic to the surrounding area and built heritage assets such as the Grade II* listed Darlington Street Methodist Church built in 1900/1901.

“The proposed development will preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and result in a minor-positive change to its setting,” the report said.

“The design of the building has been informed by the built heritage sensitivities within the surroundings area and proposes a staggered storey height.”

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close