Go-ahead for huge Wolverhampton city centre regeneration scheme which includes 1,000 homes
The first part of a huge city centre regeneration scheme which will see more than 1,000 new homes built has been given the go-ahead.
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The regeneration project, which covers a 12-acre site linking School Street and Darlington Street in Wolverhampton city centre, includes plans for up to 1,070 new homes as well as space for new shops, bars and restaurants and a revamped square.
The area next to the city’s ring road will be renamed Smithgate in a nod to the city’s historic metalworks according to the planning application now approved by City of Wolverhampton Council.
The local authority’s planners have backed the scheme in principle and given planning permission to the first phase of the work which includes more than 300 new flats on the site of the city’s former indoor market in Peel Street as well as the area around the city centre’s Market Square.
The work, a joint venture between City of Wolverhampton Council, Homes England, Legal and General and developer Muse, could start later this year.
Basit Ali, development director at English Cities Fund (ECF), said: “With planning consent secured we will be able to work quickly to start delivery of the first phase at Smithgate.
“We’ve worked closely and in partnership with Wolverhampton Council to develop plans for an exciting new neighbourhood which will bring something different and new to the city. Its new name – ‘Smithgate’ – reflects the city’s historic industrial base as we deliver a dynamic new gateway to Wolverhampton.
“Wolverhampton is a place with ambition, a plan, and the capability to deliver. Reaching this milestone is testament to our strong partnership with the council, the city’s leadership, and the local authority’s proactive and supportive approach.”
Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs, and skills at the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Smithgate will put people at the heart of the city centre with new homes, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
“It will drive economic growth which will benefit all our communities, help meet our significant housing needs and create a new place for people to visit and spend time.”
“Now planning approval is in place we will continue to support ECF in securing the external funding needed to enable delivery of this transformational scheme.
“The new brand identity for Smithgate celebrates the heritage of the place through bold industrial-inspired typography and textured images and graphics which add a grit and hand-built quality.
“The new brand will start to be rolled out immediately.”
The former market site has been vacant since the famous building was demolished in 2017 and was earmarked as a potential venue for the city council’s much-touted £6 million boxpark.
The ‘box park’ – providing a home for outdoor entertainment and food and drink vendors in converted shipping containers – was due to open this year but has since been put on hold as the council hunts for a new location.
