£11 million revamp of three Wolverhampton venues to create 120 jobs
The £11 million revamp of three landmark Black Country venues will create a jobs boom, it was announced today.
Around 120 jobs will come as part of the work on Wolverhampton's Civic Hall, Wulfun Hall and Grand Theatre.
The city's leisure boss Councillor Elias Mattu said he hoped the projects would bring 500,000 extra visitors into the city.
"This is brilliant news for Wolverhampton and the wider region," he said.
Work at the Civic and Wulfrun will see a balcony added in both venues, with the Civic's capacity increasing to 3,300.
Bosses say the revamp will help them attract bring big-name acts.
A new report to Wolverhampton City Council outlines the importance of the venues, saying they already support 637 jobs directly or indirectly.
The document states that both the Civic and Wulfrun Halls already generate £4.3m in the Wolverhampton economy. The Grand Theatre, meanwhile, brings in £3.6m.
Leisure chief, Councillor Elias Mattu, said: "Both of these venues are hugely important to the local economy. They're also both council-owned and are Grade II-listed buildings.
"But both of these venues need money spending on them. The two venues already support more than 600 jobs in the economy and we expect a further 120 jobs to come from the redevelopments. This is a great news story for Wolverhampton."
However, it was recently revealed that concerts may not be staged there for up to 18 months while they undergo a £10 million refurbishment.
Bosses are now looking at other halls across the region to hold its gigs.
Dudley Town Hall, Wolverhampton Racecourse or West Bromwich Town Hall could all be among the replacement locations Civic staff are looking at.
The redevelopment of the concert halls will see a balcony added in both venues. The Civic's capacity will increase to 3,300.
The Grand is undergoing an £800,000 facelift, improving the stage and backstage areas.
