New schemes contribute to Wolverhamptons successful regeneration PDF Print
Key development and regeneration schemes in Wolverhampton are enhancing the city’s reputation and are helping to elevate it to one of the Midlands’ most desirable cities.  

18th century Molineux Hotel

One of the city’s most visible signs of successful regeneration is the 18th century Molineux Hotel which and is now seeking an occupier. The former hotel, which is one of Wolverhampton’s landmark historic buildings, is undergoing a major renovation led by Wolverhampton City Council in conjunction with English Heritage and Advantage West Midlands. 

Wolverhampton City Council has assembled a package of funding to restore the prestigious 18th century Grade II* listed Georgian property in the heart of Wolverhampton city centre to its former glory, and the unique property has now come on the market through property consultancy Bruton Knowles (BK) in Birmingham. Wolverhampton City Council is now considering proposals from interested parties for a wide variety of uses for the hotel, subject to planning and listed building consent. The building will be available on a long-term lease basis of up to 125 years. 

The Molineux Hotel is one of Wolverhampton’s 22 grade 11* listed buildings and was last used in 1972. The condition of the building deteriorated rapidly after it was vacated, and the hotel suffered a fire in June 2003 which severely damaged the building, taking out the roof and most of the floors. Wolverhampton City Council purchased the property in early 2004 and has since embarked on a meticulous restoration programme to bring the hotel back to life.

With funding for restoration and redevelopment from Advantage West Midlands and English Heritage, the former hotel is being restored in two stages; stage 1 is currently underway and is focusing predominantly on the exterior of the building. This stage of the repairs is due to be completed by the end of 2005. 

The Molineux Hotel is a three-story detached building offering 1,028 sq m (11,072 sq ft) of internal space, which also has planning permission for a sympathetic extension. It is located at the north west of Wolverhampton City Centre, in a prominent plot alongside the Wolverhampton Ring Road.  The hotel is ideally located and at the heart of motorway and rail networks, just 6km from junction 2 of the M54.

Ian Mercer, Partner at property consultancy Bruton Knowles in Birmingham comments: “This building has excellent potential and we are receiving a good level of interest from bidders due to its heritage, prominence and location.”

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council Cabinet Member for Economic
Development and Strategic Housing, says, “The Molineux Hotel presents a unique
opportunity for new occupiers. The landmark building has stood in the centre of
 Wolverhampton for over 250 years.”

“Wolverhampton City Council, in partnership with Advantage West Midlands and English
Heritage, is restoring the Grade II listed building. The current phase of the project is seeing
the wood panelling, roof, clock tower and fine ornate plaster all being brought back to their
former glory.

“We are considering proposals for a wide variety of uses and welcome further
proposals.”

David Blake, Director for the Black Country at Advantage West Midlands, said, “This is a
fabulous restoration project on a building which is incredibly important to the history and
heritage of the City of Wolverhampton.  The Molineux Hotel will be a valuable addition to the
city’s ongoing regeneration success story and is destined to become a landmark which local
people will point out with pride in years to come.”

Written proposals for The Molineux Hotel should be sent to Bruton Knowles’ Birmingham office.  For further details, please contact Ian Mercer or Rob Elliott at Bruton Knowles on 0121 200 1100.