Information centre will keep people posted on £19 million Wolverhampton paving scheme

The centre, known as the Urban Room,will keep people informed about the scheme which will see major repaving works being carried out in Wolverhampton city centre.

It will provide drop-in sessions at set times, pre-booked meeting opportunities and direct assistance from council staff and contractors Taylor Woodrow regarding the two-and-a-half-year programme, which started in January.

 The first Urban Room sessions will initially take place between 12pm and 1.30pm on Tuesdays, with the plan to increase the number of sessions over time.

Work has begun on the scheme in Darlington Street, and will move into Lichfield Street and Queen Square.

The council said the completed scheme would create wider, brighter and safer streets; vibrant public events spaces; more trees, greenery and seating, and easy access for buses, cycles and taxis.

It said the aim was to attract more visitors and spending, as well as further investment, while contributing to creating a pleasant environment and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

It follows similar schemes in Victoria Street and North Street.

Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, said: “We want people to enjoy our city centre from the moment they arrive, and these works are the next step in our transformation plans that are delivering positive outcomes.

“This is a scheme for everyone, and the Urban Room is another way we are connecting with businesses, residents and visitors to ensure they are supported during the works and fully understand it so they can maximise the opportunities it presents to them."

The work is being funded with a £13.5 million from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund, £3 million from the Towns Fund and £2.6million from the Active Travel Fund.

It will see the creation of wider footpaths – enabling hospitality businesses to offer outdoor seating, new coach stops outside Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, and a two-way cycle route running from the railway station through to Darlington Street.

Bus stops will also be moved, and a one-way system will be introduced in Lichfield Street, meaning that vehicles will only be able in the westward direction, away from the bus station, towards Princess Square.

The proposals also envisage a 'spill over cafe culture in Exchange Street' which runs between Queen Square and the Civic Centre.

Councillor Burden added: “The works will also complement other transformational development schemes already underway or in the pipeline in the city centre, including the £150 million Interchange and commercial district, and thousands of new homes coming at Smithgate and Canalside – all helping to create hundreds of new jobs and further investment opportunities.”

Stuart Townsend, operations manager at Taylor Woodrow, said: “We are excited to announce our drop-in sessions for businesses and members of the public to address any queries, concerns, or compliments.

“During these sessions, we will showcase drawings of the scheme, have updates on our social value projects locally, and we will be displaying information, including a video about the scheme.

“Additionally, we will provide information about our chosen charities, The Way Youth Project Board, and have brochures available for career opportunities."

Image caption 1 (L-R): Taylor Woodrow Site Manager Matt Lane, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden, Taylor Woodrow Site Manager, Ivan Alivkin, and Taylor Woodrow Stakeholder and Community Engagement Co-ordinator, Joanne Plews, outside the Urban Room in Queen Square

Image caption 2 (L-R): City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden, and Taylor Woodrow Stakeholder and Community Engagement Co-ordinator, Joanne Plews, inside the Urban Room in Queen Square

Image caption 3: A computer-generated image of what Lichfield Street could look like