Plans resubmitted for first JD Wetherspoon pub museum

JD Wetherspoon has submitted revised plans to open its first museum on the history of the brand in Wolverhampton.

The pub chain is looking to convert the Moon Under Water pub into a 72-room hotel and heritage centre as part of a £15m development.

This would see an expansion of the first-floor pub, creation of a rear garden terrace and conversion of three upper floors into hotel rooms.

The development would see the basement space relaunched as Wetherspoon’s first and only heritage centre which would tell the story of the company’s history.

The 40,000 sq ft space above the pub, which has an Art Deco frontage, has been empty for more than 33 years after previously being home to a Co-op store.

Wetherspoon was granted planning permission by City of Wolverhampton Council in March 2020 to redevelop the venue but has submitted new proposals for the development that, if approved, are expected to create 70 jobs.

Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon said: “Wetherspoon aims to develop a hotel and heritage centre on the site as well as carry out work to the pub itself.

“The Moon Under Water in Wolverhampton has proven very popular over the years and the project highlights our commitment to making the pub even better and to Wolverhampton itself.”

Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council deputy leader and cabinet member for inclusive city economy, said: “This is an exciting proposition and demonstrates the growing confidence in our city centre from the private sector.

“[We] welcome this latest planning application from one of the biggest chains in the hospitality sector.”

Wetherspoon operates 834 pubs in the UK and Ireland. It put around 45 sites up for sale at the end of last year but has predicted record sales for its current financial year.