Climbing centre plan approved for ex-newspaper base

Plans have been approved for an indoor climbing centre at the former offices of Wolverhampton's Express and Star.

The proposal comes after the newspaper left the premises in 2023 after 140 years.

Part of the building is already being converted into flats after the city council approved plans to redevelop the building on Queen Street.

The new centre would create 33 jobs, according to the application by Climbing Hut Ltd, which the council described as a "significant investment" for the location.

A total of 38 one-and-two-bed flats will be built on the second and third floors of the building, alongside a "bar, restaurant, leisure, and event space", a gym and offices.

The council has highlighted the site as having space for up to 145 homes, under housebuilding plans for the next decade.

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

The Express and Star relocated to Mander House in the city centre, when it moved two years ago.

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

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