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Retail Market Shops, School Street, WOLVERHAMPTON, WV3 0SF

Another area of the city near the retail market just waiting for redevelopment, with several disused former retail properties, not all old. The tall brick unit was that of William Evans, Son and Company, a traditional builders merchant, hardware shop and ironmonger, eventually closed down in the late 1990s. An advertisement in the 1884 Wolverhampton catalogue states: WM. EVANS, SON & Co - Brass and Cock Founders, Lock Manufacturors and Factors.

This is in School Street near what is left of the market. The Evans hardware store and ironmongers was the last of these traditional establishments in the city. It closed in the 1990s and is still derelict, like large areas near the city centre where development and regeneration has been delayed by constant wrangling followed by the "banking crisis", recession and "credit crunch". Not a pretty sight. And people wonder why we are rated the fifth worst city in the world to live. Well, that is nonsense, but at present, in 2010 there is not a lot to be proud of as far as development in the last twenty years is concerned.

Another area of the city near the retail market just waiting for redevelopment, with several disused former retail properties, not all old. The tall brick unit was that of William Evans, Son and Company, a traditional builders merchant, hardware shop and ironmonger, eventually closed down in the late 1990s. An advertisement in the 1884 Wolverhampton catalogue states: WM. EVANS, SON & Co - Brass and Cock Founders, Lock Manufacturors and Factors. Little has changed since my last image taken three years ago in 2009: Image]

The William Evans store was the last of the old fashioned hardware stores in the city. It closed in the 1990s, and now the buildings are part of the extensive decay and dereliction close to the centre of the city which has been caused by repeated long lasting delays and arguments which have almost halted the regeneration of the area for many years. This is near the market, which is almost as run down, with many unoccupied units and pitches, though the smartening up with the new shops/apartments will help. When Sainsbury's open their new store near the market, I predict* a much greater footfall in this area, and (hopefully) more trade in the market. February 2009: Image] March 2012: Image] *Update 2022: Well that didn't happen!!

The view down the street in Wolverhampton city centre.

The William Evans store was the last of the old fashioned hardware stores in the city. It closed in the 1990s, and now the buildings are part of the extensive decay and dereliction close to the centre of the city which has been caused by repeated long lasting delays and arguments which have almost halted the regeneration of the area for many years. This is near the market, which is almost as run down, with many unoccupied units and pitches. No wonder the council is putting up boards blocking derelict shop frontages nearby with bright pictures telling everybody who is already here what a wonderful place Wolverhampton is to go shopping. Hmmmm!

Looking north towards Darlington Street, from Market Square.