Council to purchase run-down pub for affordable housing

The City of Wolverhampton Council intends to purchase a long abandoned pub in Wolverhampton to pave the way for new housing development. Officials aim to use compulsory purchase powers to take over the former Bagot Arms in Whitmore Reans and transform the site into affordable homes.

The property on Newhampton Road East has stood empty since 2008 following a fatal shooting and has since deteriorated into a boarded up, overgrown location that has drawn anti social behaviour. Although planning permission was granted in 2023 for a scheme involving shops and flats, no progress has been made on carrying out the approved work.

A report scheduled for discussion by the council cabinet on 10 December noted a lack of evidence that redevelopment would begin, despite years of encouragement from the council. The authority stated it had required the owners to maintain and secure the site, but the building had become increasingly run down and in urgent need of redevelopment.

Initial proposals outline demolition of the existing structure and construction of fifteen flats. The report also highlighted that although the previous owners secured permission for a mixed use project, they did not proceed with it. The property is believed to have been recently sold, though updated ownership information has yet to appear on the Land Registry.

The council maintains that redeveloping the site would enhance the appearance of the area, curb anti social behaviour, and deliver much needed social housing to assist applicants on the waiting list.

Author: Connor Blake