Don't be late! New White Rabbit pub opens in Bilston, bringing 40 jobs
A new pub in the heart of Bilston’s Urban Village has officially opened its doors, creating more than 40 new jobs.
The new venue, located on Bankfield Road, is called the White Rabbit in a nod to the mining heritage of Bilston during the 18th century.
The pub has created a total of 45 new jobs and welcomed its first special punters on Saturday ahead of a formal launch to the public.
It is located between the Bert Williams Leisure Centre and Morrisons supermarket in the new multi-million pound development.
The pub’s name, which was chosen by Marston’s, came from people’s accounts from the time stating that Bilston miners were said to be haunted by an evil spirit causing great danger at the mines for the workers. The leader who was deeply troubled by this, instigated a ceremony to ask for protection and guidance from the White Rabbit, a symbolic white witch figure who protected the miners.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, Labour representative councillor for Bilston East, said: “I think it is important that we welcome anything that improves the offer to the people of Bilston.
“Ultimately, this new pub has provided dozens of new jobs and gives people in the town the chance to get together as a community, socialise and enjoy themselves.”
Mark Griffiths, area operations manager for Marston’s Inns and Taverns, said: “This area is the heartland for Marston’s so we are really excited to be part of this development.
“The pub is an extension of people’s lives so we are happy that we can embrace this, and provide the community with a place they can enjoy for all occasions.”
The development to bring backremediate 27 acres of brownfield land for residential use was completed in June 2016.
Keren Jones, Wolverhampton council’s director for city economy, said: “Bilston Urban Village and Bilston town centre are part of the council’s wider city regeneration priorities. The Marston’s development further strengthens this significant scheme and we are delighted a global business made in Wolverhampton has chosen to invest in this project, which will deliver good jobs for local people.”
The Bilston Urban Village project to remediate 27 acres of brownfield land for residential use was completed in June 2016.
The works programme was undertaken by the council, with funding from the Homes and Communities Agency and Local Enterprise Partnership.
It saw a major programme of site clearance, former factory floors broken up and the old railway embankment removed as the site was levelled.
New roads and drainage were also installed.
