Plans for flats at former newspaper HQ approved

A move to convert former newspaper offices into new flats has been approved.

The now empty Express and Star offices in Queen Street, Wolverhampton, home to the newspaper for more than 140 years, will be converted into 38 flats after plans were given the green light by City of Wolverhampton Council.

The newspaper base was left empty following a move to the city centre's Mander House in 2023.

A total of 38 one- and two-bed flats have been proposed for the second and third floors of the building, alongside a "bar, restaurant, leisure, and event space" as well as a gym and offices.

A statement included with the application said the work would "transform" the site, now dubbed The Newspaper Building.

It said: "This 82,000-square-foot revitalisation will include premium residential apartments, collaborative office spaces, and vibrant social venues, allowing us to create a dynamic community eco-system which supports the city's growth plans as a hub for business, culture, and community connection.

"The four of us behind this project have deep roots in Wolverhampton. We grew up here, studied here, and now, we're here to give something back to the city that shaped us."

City of Wolverhampton Council has highlighted the site as having space for up to 145 homes as part of housebuilding plans for the next decade.

The newspaper's former printworks are also being converted into a beauty salon, barbers and cafe.

Staff at the Express and Star moved out of Queen Street in 2023, just months after its long-established home was put on the market and the title then sold to publisher National World.

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

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