Homes plan revealed for former hospital site

Plans have been revealed for the residential redevelopment of the former Royal Hospital site in Wolverhampton.

A planning application for the 12.5-acre site has been submitted to the City of Wolverhampton Council by Cushman & Wakefield’s planning team on behalf of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The scheme proposes 193 new homes and apartments at the site, through both new development and the reuse of the landmark Grade II Listed hospital building.

The former hospital lodge building on Cleveland Road would be converted to accommodate a café and community facilities to support the new housing development.

The plans for the Royal Hospital site mark the second phase in the redevelopment of the wider area, with preparation work for 146 new homes on the adjacent former Wolverhampton bus depot already underway.

The HCA acquired the former Royal Hospital site last year in readiness to create new homes and a high profile gateway development into the city centre.

The plans for the site were unveiled at a public consultation held earlier this month.

Karl Tupling, general manager for the HCA in the Midlands, said: “After more than a decade of development delays associated with the former site owners, the HCA’s proposals will speed up the construction of new homes and reintegrate this area of Wolverhampton with the city centre, creating a safe and thriving community.”

Mark Jackson, partner in Cushman & Wakefield’s planning team in Birmingham, said: “The scheme will bring back the main hospital building into beneficial use and create a unique location to live in the city. The application has been informed by extensive consultation with Wolverhampton council and local residents.”

Cllr Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton’s deputy leader and cabinet member for City Assets and Housing, said: “This planning application is very welcome news for the city.

“People have obviously seen the Royal Hospital come back into view through the demolition of the former bus and tram depot.

“We have been working closely with the HCA on their plans to ensure the building is preserved and sensitively developed.

“It will be great to see this historic building and its surroundings brought back into use, while at the same time delivering a major boost to housing in the city.”