Landmark former art college could become food hall

A former art college building in Wolverhampton, constructed to commemorate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee in 1897, may become a food hall and education hub.

Bilston's Victoria Building, which has been empty for nearly three decades, could be converted into a "mixed food, leisure, community and cultural destination" under plans submitted to the city council.

Proposals to turn the site into a care home had been approved in 2011 and plans to demolish parts for apartments were approved in 2009 and 2013, but the projects did not come to pass.

The new scheme was "heritage-led and regeneration-focused", said the applicant, developer Victoria Mount Pleasant.

Plans for the building, which was sold at auction for £550,000 in 2023, include a post-16 education facility, a food hall with space for 16 vendors, and a gym.

The food village would provide opportunities for "community events, collaborations, and cultural celebrations", according to a statement by the developer included with the application.

It said the site "would be a place that celebrates cultural diversity through food, experiences, and shared spaces, reflecting the rich mix of communities that make the area unique".

The developer said the project aimed to offer "flavours from around the world alongside local, family-run businesses, independent traders, and exciting pop-up concepts".

It added: "Our ambitions are to preserve the character and heritage of the building while creating a space that benefits future generations.

"We felt that converting such a significant and influential landmark into another block of apartments would not do justice to its history or potential."

The building opened as Bilston Technical, Science and Art Schools in 1897.

It was extended in the 1950s, was later annexed by Bilston Community College in the 1960s and remained in use until it closed in 1999.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.