'A road map to where it is we want to go': Ambitious Wolverhampton City Council unveils Vision: 2030

The authority is hoping to see the area turned into an entertainment quarter, based around a new multi-screen cinema, with restaurants to help boost the city's nightlife.

Councillors and planners will be drawing up a shortlist of proposals in the coming weeks, from 11 submissions received from developers keen to work on the scheme.

The Westside project is part of an overall revamp for the city centre – with redevelopment of the Mander shopping centre, a new railway station and the new i10 office and shops building – that was part of a vision for a brighter, better Wolverhampton unveiled at the city's science park yesterday.

Scores of guests from the business world, education and neighbouring local authorities attended the launch of Vision: 2030, described by Wolverhampton council leader Roger Lawrence as: "A road map to where it is we want to go to."

He stressed the new document was "a wish list, not an action plan", and would be subject to change as time went on. An improved city centre, better transport links, a 'buoyant and resilient economy', a renaissance for the canalside area, expansion of the i54 development zone – home to JLR's engine factory – and 10,000 new homes are among the ambitions for the city, the result of consultation between the city council, its partners from the business and voluntary sectors and the Wolverhampton City Board.

Councillor Lawrence said he also wanted to encourage more independent shops in the city, to avoid Wolverhampton becoming a 'clone town' with the same stores as everywhere else.

While the loss of the Multi scheme for the Summer Row city centre shopping scheme in 2008 had "a very damaging impact on the city centre", Councillor Lawrence predicted a brighter future. In the next few months he said names would be revealed of a number of major brand names moving into the Mander Centre following its redevelopment.

Backing the launch of Vision 2030 was Scott Thompson, managing director of city-based security systems firm Thompson AVC, who said there was a new mood of enthusiasm and pride in the city. Georgetta Holloway, executive head of Heath Park Academy, recently awarded an OBE, added: "This is a fantastic vision, one which our children deserve."