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The Redevelopment of Beatties, Wolverhampton Gets Green Light

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By David Crosthwait – 6th September 2024

Corstorphine & Wright’s application to redevelop the iconic former Beatties department store has been approved by the City of Wolverhampton. Our submission revised the existing planning permission to ensure a sustainable and long-term future for the site.

This proposal, for our client Eden Property Group, will see this Wolverhampton landmark redeveloped into a scheme that will retain the former Beatties department store’s commercial space, and also include 306 residential units.

Historic features of the building such as the convex corner façade has been preserved. The Corstorphine & Wright design team has also reintroduced the original concave faced to ground level on Victoria Street. The development respects the rich history of the building and through mixed-use redevelopment, we can introduce and strengthen communities, re-energise the streets, and repopulate our urban centres both day and night.

At Corstorphine & Wright, we specialise in the innovative and sustainable transformation of vacant buildings, for example, our work at the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool and The Store House in Leeds. As demand for revitalising these well-built, centrally located structures grows, our approach minimises carbon emissions through reusing and retrofitting existing structures. This scheme embraces adaptive and regenerative reuse, extending the lifespan of existing structures and materials. The project also includes improvements to the existing building’s energy performance and carbon reduction measures in line with the UK’s net-zero targets. These include better insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and water-saving measures.

“Britain’s department stores now present an opportunity to rethink our cities and town centres nationwide. These buildings are typically well-constructed, recognisable, and hold significant local importance. Located in prime positions with excellent transport links, they help reduce the reliance on cars. Reusing and upgrading these buildings not only preserves a sense of place but also delivers substantial benefits for the circular economy and embodied carbon savings.”

David Crosthwait

Director

“It’s fantastic to have achieved planning approval for the revised redevelopment of Beatties department store. The application process with Wolverhampton City Council has been a very refreshing experience, and it’s been rewarding to collaborate with the diligent and proactive Case Officer, Phillip Walker. His passion for promoting and enhancing Wolverhampton’s future aligns with our commitment to the sensitive reuse of historic high street assets to revitalise city centres and stimulate broader regeneration. This is a great opportunity to provide much-needed housing in a sustainable location, supporting the return of retail through the introduction of shops, eateries, and cafés, which will ultimately enrich the public realm. We’re incredibly excited to breathe new life back into Beatties.”

Rebecca Platt

Associate Director

We are thrilled that the City of Wolverhampton has endorsed this amended scheme, allowing us to contribute to the continued legacy of an iconic site. A huge congratulations to the entire team involved—we’re excited to see this ambitious redevelopment come to life.

Read more here.

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