Work starts to restore historic Wolverhampton buildings
Work has begun to renovate two historic properties included in a scheme to restore historic buildings in Wolverhampton’s Queen Street.
The renovations are part of the Queen Street Gateway Townscape Heritage Scheme, which offers grants to the owners of buildings on the street with historical significance for external repairs. The street was once home to the town’s first dispensary providing medical care for the poor, the first free library, and the assembly rooms, which were converted into the County Court.
The scheme is backed by a £864,100 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and £250,000 from the City of Wolverhampton Council to help restore buildings on the street, which date back to the early 19th century. A further £1.1 million will come from investment by the owners of the buildings who receive grants.
The first two properties, both Grade Il listed late-Georgian townhouses, will benefit from almost £100,000 in grants. One is a solicitors’ firm, and the second building has just had planning permission to be converted into flats.
The work, which will be carried out by Midland Conservation, will involve re-slating, making new leadwork, gutters and downpipes, overhauling and replacing windows, and renovating brickwork. It’s expected to be completed by summer 2018.
Cllr Peter Bilson, deputy leader and cabinet member for City Assets and Housing, said: “We have been working closely with the property owners, and our project partners, to develop proposals.
“This will help breathe new life into the area and its businesses, while at the same time staying true to the history of these wonderful buildings in our city.”
