Public inquiry due on Wolverhampton Midland Metro extension

The Secretary of State is set to launch a public inquiry into the Midland Metro extension later this year, transport authority Centro has confirmed. more

The inquiry will allow members of the public to have their say on proposals drawn up by Centro and Wolverhampton City Council.

The extension, which will link the existing tram network to the bus station and the rail station, is due to open in 2018.

It comes after plans were submitted to Wolverhampton City Council to tear down sections of the Grade II listed Old Steam Mill in Corn Hill, Horseley Fields, in preparation for the work.

The proposals include the demolition of a 1950s steel extension at the back of the building, while parts of the main building, including the west wing wall will be torn down if deemed necessary.

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Before any work takes place a vast quantity of material that was damaged during a fire in 2008 will be removed from the building.

Centro spokesman Steve Swingler, said: "In 2013 we asked the public for their views about the proposed Metro extension and some people, including heritage organisations, expressed concern about the demolition of the Steam Mill.

"We listened to those concerns and amended the route so that the original part of the building could be retained with only a 20th century steel extension on its north east corner needing to be demolished.

"A public inquiry into the overall tram extension is expected to be held later this year. If that results in permission being granted then we can appoint a contractor to carry out the two year build with a potential opening in 2018."

A new line from the city centre to New Cross Hospital has also been mooted, although Centro says there is currently no money earmarked for the project.

In November a public inquiry was launched into the extension of the Metro to Centenary Square, Birmingham. The inquiry is due to close on January 16.

Meanwhile Centro has confirmed it will be at least March before trams are able to run again at Wolverhampton's main stop, St George's - four months after the work was due to finish.

The £4.5m scheme to improve tram tracks between Priestfield and St George's, as well as expanding the latter's platform, was due to finish at the end of November.

But the project has been hit with delays since an abandoned mine shaft was discovered in November.

The Royal stop re-opened in mid December.

Last week tram fares went up 10p for a single adult fare and 20p or 30p for a return, depending on distance travelled.

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