Beatties Redevelopment Wolverhampton, UK
The City of Wolverhampton has given its approval to Corstorphine & Wright’s revised proposals to redevelop the former Beatties department store.
The approved scheme will retain the commercial space across much of the lower levels of the iconic building while incorporating 306 residential units around a new internal parkland walk connecting two gardens. This mixed-use redevelopment approach is designed to introduce and strengthen communities, re-energise streets, and repopulate urban centres.
Associate, Rebecca Platt said: “Reintroduction of the historic elements on Victoria Street opens up the public realm and forms a new focal point for café culture and public events, it’s a key element of the scheme that we are really excited to see realised. We hope this will enhance and revitalise the street, positively stimulating broader regeneration in Wolverhampton. We are looking forward to bringing new life to this beloved landmark, ensuring Beatties remains at the heart of the city centre.”
This iconic building has been vacant since House of Fraser left in 2020.
The plans also focus on optimising the internal layouts of the building for enhanced efficiency. The redevelopment will focus on improving the building’s energy performance.
This is a key aspect of the project, given the increasing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in the construction sector. We are working closely with the structural engineers, Symmetrys, to ensure the proposals retain the historic fabric and utilise the existing structure and foundation capacity.
The plans include carbon reduction measures that align with the UK’s net-zero targets. These measures will not only reduce the building’s carbon footprint but also contribute to the broader national goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
Director, David Crosthwait explained: “The redevelopment plan minimises further demolition, significantly reduces the need for additional strengthening works and helps to preserve significant embodied carbon. The embodied carbon savings achieved through reuse as opposed to new build are estimated at 74%. This approach not only ensures the preservation of the building’s historic features but also aligns with the broader sustainability goals of reducing carbon emissions in the construction sector.”
One of the key architectural features of the Beatties department store is its historic convex corner façade.
The redevelopment plans drawn up by Corstorphine & Wright ensure that this distinctive feature will be preserved.
In addition, the concave façade, another significant architectural element of the building, will be reintroduced at the ground level on Victoria Street. This will further enhance the aesthetic appeal of the building while preserving its historic character.
Corstorphine & Wright’s design is not just about preserving the historic features of the building. We are also committed to ensuring that the redevelopment contributes positively to the local community.
By introducing residential units into the building, the scheme aims to bring new life to the area, attracting residents who will contribute to the local economy and community.
The redevelopment of the Beatties department store by Corstorphine & Wright represents a significant investment in the future of Wolverhampton. The project will preserve the historic character of the building, introduce new residential units, re-energise the local streetscape, and contribute to the UK’s net-zero targets. It is a clear demonstration of how thoughtful and sustainable redevelopment can contribute to urban regeneration and community development.
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