Climbing centre plans for former newspaper office

A new climbing centre could be created in the former Express & Star site in Wolverhampton

Part of a former newspaper office could be converted into a climbing centre if plans are approved.

Climbing Hut, which already runs facilities in Shrewsbury and Ellesmere Port, has submitted plans to convert the former Express & Star site in Queen Street, Wolverhampton.

The offices, which were home to the newspaper for more than 140 years, were left empty after they moved to the city centre's Mander House in 2023.

Plans show the centre would create a number of different walls, specifically designed for the various disciplines within climbing.

Documents submitted to the City of Wolverhampton Council show that the new facilities would be built inside the former press hall in the building.

The centre would feature line climbing walls, alongside bouldering facilities and action climbing walls for younger athletes, papers show.

Council officials will now review the plans before deciding to approve or reject them.

The authority has already approved plans for 38 flats to be built in a different part of the site.