The detailed planning application was approved in principle by committee this week. The scheme consists of 366 residential units of varying size and typology; through a mix of new build and conversion of existing buildings; as well as commercial space.

The key design principles have included the following:

A focus on retention and re-purposing of existing buildings to strengthen the industrial heritage that defines the Union Mill Conservation Area
The creation of a close-knit urban fabric, befitting of its location
A use of strong building lines, and a simple rectilinear street pattern, drawn from the industrial architectural language of the canalside
Avoiding repetition of form with a variety of roofscapes, retaining a simple palette of materials to unify the site whilst maximising nuance of individual dwellings
A distinct public realm with shared surface streets to reconnect the site to the wider area, fostering canalside activity for pedestrians
A landscape scheme which anchors the development to its surroundings to create a sense of place through the provision of a variety of public and private spaces with dedicated communal areas containing elements such as allotment plots, greenhouses, play areas and shared cycle stores.

The site is located in Wolverhampton’s Canalside Quarter, which forms part of the local authority’s future vision of the city ‘Area Action Plan’.

The existing Union Mill area comprises of several buildings, some Grade ll Listed and some Locally Listed, forming two industrial courtyards. The Lower Horseley Fields area comprises of a waste treatment hub.

“We are really looking forward to progressing Phase A, the Union Mills element of the scheme, approx. 80 units across a variety of building types, new build, and the conversion of some of the historic canal side mill buildings. We are looking to have a contractor on board by the end of June with the intention to start on site before the end of the year.” – Andy Rogers, Director