A Wetherspoon pub will renovate the interior of its historic building in Walsall city center to provide better facilities for customers. The pub giant will remove internal walls to create a larger area for punters and improve toilets and access to the top floor of St Matthew’s Hall on Lichfield Street.

Walsall Council planning officers granted listed building consent for work to take place on the 19th-century property. St Matthew’s Hall was given Grade II listed status in 1986. It was built around 1831 as a public library after the land was purchased for £50.

It later became Walsall County Court until the late 20th century, when it became a pub. Modifications to be made include:

  • Removal of walls at the back of the internal bar to convert disused storage areas to create a larger customer area.
  • Existing window frames will be removed to open up the new conservatory to the existing dining room.
  • Reconfiguration of the lift platform, stairs and raised area to give better access between the two levels
  • New opening formed to give customers access to first floor restrooms
  • The existing first floor bathrooms will be demolished and new, larger ones will be created.

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Agents DV Architects said: “We believe the proposal will not only help maximize the potential of the site and provide a much better visitor area.” They added that apart from the internal works that have been agreed, the pub will remain much the same and the alterations will be in keeping with the character of the place.

A heritage assessment by Cotswold Archeology said the works will have no impact on the building’s historical significance. They said: “St Mathews Hall was built around 1831, and is a Grade II listed building, listed on England’s National Heritage List and is therefore considered a designated heritage asset.

“The building originated as a library before its conversion to a county courthouse in the mid-19th century. The building continued in this role through the 20th century before its conversion to a public house in the late 20th century.

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