One of Wolverhampton''s largest empty retail buildings could be divided into five smaller shop units under plans submitted the city council.
Plans have been submitted to redevelop part of the five-storey former S;ports Direct shop in Queen Street, which has been lying empty for more than four years.
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The building, previously occupied by Boots, was built in 1970 and received a major renovation in 2003. But it has been empty since the sportswear giant moved to new premises in the Mander Centre in 2021.
Opinder Singh Gulati has applied for permission to redevelop the ground floor of the building. He wants to remove the escalator connecting it to the upper floors, and divide the ground floor into four smaller units of about 5,000 sq ft each, and a fifth one of just over 3,000 sq ft.
The plan will also see Installation of new grey aluminium shopfronts to replace the existing frontage, and new rear doors for fire escape purposes.
A spokesman for Mr Gulati said: “The intention behind the subdivision is to create smaller, more affordable retail units that are attractive to independent traders and local businesses, given the challenges of securing large high-street retailers in the current market.”
He said the unit sizes had been designed to suit the local retail market and ensure affordability for prospective tenants.
“The proposal introduces smaller, high-quality retail units, replacing an underutilised large-format store.
“his supports local business opportunities and enhances the vitality of Queen Street.”
The proposals will now be considered by Wolverhampton Council’s planning department.
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