Apartments scheme at Grade II listed former bank

Plans to convert a Grade II listed former Lloyds Bank building into offices, apartments and a cafe have been approved.

The bank left the 148-year-old building in Queen Square in Wolverhampton city centre last year and moved to a new branch in the nearby Mander Centre, the council said.

Wingate Associates Ltd plans to change the upper levels of the vacant four-storey building into 18 apartments.

Planning approval was granted earlier this year to convert another "landmark building" in the high street, the former Marks & Spencer, into apartments and retail units.

Creating a cafe in the former banking hall space on the ground floor would make use of 19th Century "'Italianate' Italian Renaissance-inspired features including the grand entrance, etched windows, plinths and pillars".

Upper levels would be transformed into 12 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments, the council said.

Gary Hartland from Wingate said the company was "excited by the opportunity to sensitively bring this historic building back into use, while positively contributing to the city's visitor offer".

"The new apartments will enhance the city centre living provision and increase footfall to support businesses in the local economy."

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