Historic Niphon Works to become apartments

The iconic Niphon Works building in Lower Villiers Street was built in 1885 by entrepreneur Robert Stroud and and was once the city’s biggest factory, employing more than 300 people at its peak.

But the sprawling site has been labelled a 'death trap' in recent years with tiles and shards of glass falling on the street below in high winds.

Now the listed four-storey building is to be converted into 49 apartments - with plans to retain as much of the original structure and architectural features as possible. Two rear wings would be be demolished and a new wing built in sympathy with the original Victorian design.

A report to next week's planning committee describes the former factory as 'architecturally and historically significant' but says it is in a 'very poor' state through neglect and has suffered substantial structural damage due to damp.

The planning application is for double the number of apartments of a previous bid in 2012 to convert the property into offices and 21 flats. The applicant, Manjit Singh, said 49 apartments were required to make the project financially viable.

The Niphon Works was home to a number of different strands of manufacturing over the years, with tin trunks and coal scuttles made there.

It also produced decorative goods using the ‘japanning’ lacquering technique for which Wolverhampton was famous.

The firm later diversified into cabinet-making and made bodies for the Star motor company, based in nearby Frederick Street.

It had been at risk of being pulled down until 2010 when plans were submitted to Wolverhampton council for the homes and office complex.

The scheme involved restoring the exterior of the building, with part of the rear of the works converted into offices to act as a buffer between the apartments and a neighbouring industrial unit, but the project never got off the ground.

Two years ago councillors warned the empty building had become a death trap with pedestrians urged to steer clear due to safety concerns.

West Midlands Fire Service has been called out on numerous occasions to secure sections of the dilapidated building and Wolverhampton council forced to block off the pavement in front of the site for fear of falling glass and tiles.

The latest applicant says the constraints of the site mean that parking provision falls below the 1.25 spaces per apartment normally required for the type of location.

It is recommended for approval by the planning committee which meets next Tuesday(11th) to discuss the bid.