Investigative works have now started on the Grade II listed building, which has remained derelict since the hospital closed in 1997.
Jessup, who assembled the site from Homes England, is working in partnership with Midlands’ residential developer and landlord whg on the scheme. The redevelopment will see the former hospital sympathetically restored and converted into 38, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments available for people aged over 55.
An additional 123 homes for affordable rent and 31 for shared ownership are being built on land to the rear, with the foundations now laid for 30, 2 bed homes along Gordon Street.
City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Ian Brookfield, said: “To see works underway to bring this historic building back to life is wonderful and great news for regeneration in our city as we look to relight from the impact of the pandemic.
“We have worked hard with partners over the years to ensure a suitable scheme is brought forward on this strategically important site.
“whg and Jessup have worked together to deliver a fantastic scheme on the former bus depot site opposite the former Royal Hospital.
“They have now started the journey of transforming the former Royal Hospital and the area around it by delivering new housing and hundreds of jobs – making the Royal site a key gateway to the city centre.
“Projects such as these are critical to our recovery from Covid-19 – creating jobs in construction and the supply chain, driving further investment and giving our residents and businesses opportunities to get back on their feet and thrive.”
Rebecca Bennett Casserly, whg’s Corporate Director of Development, said: “It’s really exciting to see our vision for this wonderful building come to life. This wellbeing scheme within the Royal Hospital promises to be truly stunning with many of the architectural features of this listed building incorporated into the new development.
“Alongside the wider development of the site, we aim to create a new, vibrant community that reflects the changing needs of individuals and families at different stages of life, from those looking to rent or make the first steps on the housing ladder, to those seeking a larger family home or wanting to downsize.”
Clive Jessup, Chief Executive Jessup, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with whg and Wolverhampton on this strategically important regeneration so close to the city centre and working on such an iconic building using our local supply chain and sub contractors. This gives our apprentices the opportunity to learn new skills working on a new build and refurbishment.”
Tara Kennedy, Senior Development Manager at Homes England, said: “The transformation of the former Royal Hospital development is a real positive for Wolverhampton. Bringing an historic building back into use as homes for older people and creating more new, affordable homes for the wider community is a fantastic achievement for all involved.
“The newly built homes, along with the almost completed former bus depot site, will create a new focal point for bringing new and existing residents together. I am very proud of our work with partners across these 2 sites to create quality homes and a real sense of place and community.”
The refurbishment of the Royal Hospital is expected to be completed by 2023, with a planned completion date for the whole site of Autumn 2024.
The redevelopment forms part of wider plans to make the area a key gateway to the city centre. Jessup and whg have recently completed a redevelopment of the former bus depot site at Cleveland Road in front of the Royal Hospital, with customers now moving in.
