Significant redevelopment plans for a prominent Willenhall building, left derelict after a devastating fire, have been given the green light by local authorities.
From Pub to Vacant Shell: A Building's Troubled History
The proposals focus on the former Chamberlain's pub, situated on Upper Lichfield Street. After closing its doors as a public house in 2015, the premises briefly operated as a laser quest venue before shutting down for good the following year. The building has stood empty since, falling into a state of disrepair.
Its condition worsened dramatically in 2021 when a major fire tore through the property. The blaze completely destroyed half of the structure, leaving behind a charred shell. The damaged rear section was historically known as the Chamberlain Unionist Club, a mid-19th century building that holds a local heritage listing.
A Church's Vision for Regeneration
The application for the site's transformation was submitted by the New Testament Church of God, which is based just three doors away on the same street. The church has laid out a dual-purpose plan to breathe new life into the fire-ravaged site.
For the intact front portion of the property, the vision is to create a 12-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO) across two storeys. The plans specify that each bedroom will have its own en-suite bathroom, with two shared kitchens for tenants. Access to this HMO will be directly from Upper Lichfield Street.
Creating a New Community Space
The more complex part of the project involves the fire-damaged rear of the 528 square metre site. Currently roofless, the church intends to rebuild this section, creating a half two-storey structure. This space is designated to become a versatile community events hall, complete with catering facilities and toilets.
Access to this new community resource will be via Angel Passage, the pedestrian walkway that connects Morrison's car park to Willenhall's Market Place. The entire site lies within the Willenhall Conservation Area, adding a layer of consideration to the approved designs.
The approval marks a pivotal step towards regenerating a key town centre location that has been a blot on the landscape for nearly a decade, promising both much-needed housing and a valuable asset for local community groups.
