Wolverhampton Council Takes Action to Save Iconic Beatties Store
Wolverhampton councillors have given their backing to plans that would see compulsory purchase powers used to acquire the city's iconic former Beatties department store. The landmark building, located at Victoria Street and Darlington Street, has stood empty since 2019 following the collapse of House of Fraser and has been left to deteriorate significantly.
Compulsory Purchase Order Approved in Principle
At a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, March 18, the City of Wolverhampton Council approved in principle the use of a compulsory purchase order (CPO) as a last resort measure to accelerate the redevelopment of the site. Councillor Chris Burden, the cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, emphasized that the absolute and clear preference is for the site to be redeveloped, describing it as an iconic building and the heart and soul of the city.
He stated, "There is no regeneration of Wolverhampton without the regeneration of this building. I want to assure residents, in no uncertain terms, that to this point, the extent of the powers of this council have been used at every single stage."
Frustration Over Delays and Deterioration
The council granted planning permission in 2021 for a redevelopment scheme that would transform parts of the former store and its car park into more than 300 flats and 73,000 square feet of commercial floor space. However, the current owner, Eden Beatties, has failed to deliver on these plans, leaving the building in a state of disrepair.
Council leader Stephen Simkins expressed deep frustration, noting that "policy and process" have delayed meaningful action. He revealed aspirations for the building to be listed and added, "We cannot afford to have buildings of such an iconic stature be derelict and closed for so many years. It's deeply frustrating for everybody."
Regeneration Benefits and Legal Steps
The proposed regeneration aims to provide:
- Vital new housing
- Commercial opportunities
- Restoration of a heritage asset
- A catalyst for wider area regeneration
It would also address issues such as anti-social behavior, dilapidation, and blight on the surrounding area. The building was purchased by Eden Property Group for approximately £6.15 million in 2024, but lack of activity has led the council to prepare legal action. The council's vacant properties taskforce is taking steps after the owners ignored an enforcement notice to tidy the site.
Council's Limited Powers and Future Hopes
Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for housing, explained the constraints, saying, "We can't just step in and do what we like. Somebody has bought that building and sadly although this council enabled them to develop that building, they haven't done anything with it." He described it as "unfair and morally wrong" for the building to remain empty and expressed hope for its redevelopment.
The CPO is seen as a serious but measured and proportionate step to strengthen the council's ability to bring forward one of the most important regeneration sites in the city centre, with the goal of restoring this historic landmark to its former glory.
