Former Molineux Hotel, Wolverhampton

Project description

The restoration of the Molineux Hotel was about more than bricks and mortar.  The regeneration of the iconic building returned a symbol of pride to the city, showing that Wolverhampton is strong once again.

The Molineux Hotel was a favourite venue in Wolverhampton for more than 150 years. Its fine Georgian architecture and elegant rooms were popular across the region for functions and social occasions. Successful restoration of this historic building was finally completed, with new floodlights, in November 2008.

Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of the project are to house the city’s archive centre in the former hotel. This includes the building of a new annex as a new home for the archive records.

Facilities and Services

The building offers a new home for the city’s Archives and Local Studies service, where individuals and groups can research and learn about their local and family history. The council will seek to reach wider audiences and encourage greater use of the facilities.
The new repository will provide state-of-the-art storage and conservation facilities for documents that will be in safer keeping than before. There will be more and better space for inspection of documents, whether on microfilm, the internet or originals, and more room for displays and educational events.

Business/operational model

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy.

Financing and delivery/procurement

£3.3 million grant from the HLF in June 2006 with Wolverhampton City Council co-ordinating financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Advantage West Midlands and English Heritage.

Please refer to English Heritage’s Constructive Conservation in Practice for more information on the former Molineux Hotel.