Copyright expressandstar
EasyGroup, which runs budget hotels and an airline, has revealed plans to convert the former Sports Direct store in Queen Street, Wolverhampton, into a new 52-bed hotel and gym. Sports Direct closed in 2021 following a move by the sportswear giant to a flagship store in the nearby Mander Centre. The new hotel would create 12 jobs according to the application. A statement included with the application said: “The proposed conversion of 4 Queen Street from retail to hotel use represents a high-quality and sustainable redevelopment that will deliver much-needed visitor accommodation in Wolverhampton city centre and improve the visual appearance of the existing building through modern façade enhancements. “[It will] support the local economy by attracting tourists and business visitors and re-use and revitalise an existing structure in a sustainable manner. “The proposal aligns with the city’s regeneration objectives and delivers a design that balances contemporary architecture with functionality and context sensitivity.” The application adds that the building’s “dated” façade would be replaced. A separate planning application to convert most of the Queen Street building's ground floor into four new retail units was also submitted to Wolverhampton Council by EasyGroup last month. “The proposed subdivision will reinvigorate a large, vacant retail space, providing flexible, affordable commercial units that will support local enterprise and contribute to the economic vitality of Wolverhampton city centre,” the application said. “By bringing the premises back into active use, the development will increase footfall, enhance the visual appeal of Queen Street, and make a positive contribution to the local urban environment.”
