CPO in pipeline for iconic Beatties site

City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet is set to approve using compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers to facilitate the former Beatties site's redevelopment.

Wolverhampton council confirmed that it would allow a CPO to be used if necessary. It recognised the importance of the iconic building at the heart of the city centre.

Planning permission was granted to private owners in 2021 for the redevelopment of parts of the former Beatties store and car park. In addition, permission was granted for associated land to retain 6,809m² of commercial floorspace and develop 306 apartments.

The current owner, Eden Beatties, stripped out the internal fittings and removed some structures but failed to progress the scheme.

Enforcement

The council’s vacant properties taskforce is taking enforcement action for non-compliance of a s215 notice requiring the owners to tidy the site.

The council stated it is keen for the site to be brought back into use to provide new housing and commercial opportunities. In addition it is looking to enable the restoration of the locally listed heritage asset.

The work will act as a catalyst for further regeneration activity and enhance the conservation area it sits in. 

Wolverhampton Council's Agreement in principle to use CPO powers as a last resort would offer certainty of regeneration within a reasonable timeframe.

Strategy

The council is also commissioning a Development Delivery Strategy in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The strategy will identify what needs to be done and the steps to be followed to acquire a development partner.

The development partner would progress and implement a regeneration scheme to restore Beatties.

Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “Senior council officers met with the current owners of the Beatties building recently and, on behalf of all Wulfrunians, expressed in no uncertain terms that the current state of the building is totally unacceptable.

“Eden Beatties have failed to comply with the council’s legally binding clean up notice, missing deadline after deadline. Further legal action is likely to follow.

“We also stressed the urgency of seeing realistic and rapid plans to bring the building back to life with evidence that a credible and comprehensive funding package is capable of being developed.

“We stand ready to support credible plans but are also exploring all available options to bring the building back to life – and all the jobs, opportunities and investment that will bring with it.”

Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said:

“Senior council officers met with the current owners of the Beatties building recently.

“Eden Beatties have failed to comply with the council’s legally binding clean up notice, missing deadline after deadline. Further legal action is likely to follow.

“We stand ready to support credible plans but are also exploring all available options to bring the building back to life – and all the jobs, opportunities and investment that will bring with it.”