Wolverhampton is full of 'gems and monstrosities', says MP

Gavin Williamson has urged Wolverhampton council to take professional advice on re-modelling the city centre to 'rid the place of some of its monstrosities'.

The city needs to showcase its 'beautiful historic buildings', which Mr Williamson says includes the Chubb Buildings and the Beatties building.

But the South Staffordshire MP has highlighted a number of eyesores, including the the Crown Court Building – which he describes as 'a grotesque blot on the landscape' – and the Mander Centre.

But his views have not gone down well with council leader Councillor Roger Lawrence, who says his advice is 'completely unwanted'.

• VOTE: Which Wolverhampton buildings deserve the boot?

Mr Williamson says that he has a lot of affection for Wolverhampton and wants to see it 'reinvigorated'.

He says the council should be taking action to attract shoppers from Telford, a town he describes as 'an anodyne box with a lot of shops'.

He said: "Although I don't represent the city it is a place that I have a lot of affection for. I come here to shop and many of my constituents work here.

"We should have so much more aspiration for Wolverhampton and I think the council could benefit from some real professional advice.

"When I look around I see a mixture of beautiful gems and architectural turds."

Mr Williamson has written to the authority urging council bosses to meet with the Design Council, an organisation that supports 'good design and urban regeneration' in towns and cities across the UK.

The charity has worked with Oxford City Council to review major planning applications in Oxford city centre.

"When I look up I see some really nice buildings, but there are others that should be pulled down," Mr Williamson added.

"We need to get rid of some of the monstrosities. The Crown Court building is a grotesque blot on the landscape that looks like it was designed by someone who has never done design before.

"The Mander Centre needs a lot of work. Wolverhampton needs to get the best out of its many beautiful buildings.

"You look at Beatties, the Chubb Buildings and some of the architecture along the city's Georgian streets. They are real assets.

"Bringing in the best in new design would enhance the city no end.

"Wolverhampton is a massively proud city that has so much going for it.

"I think the Design Council could help to create an environment that encourages independent businesses as well as high street stores to reinvigorate the city. There can be a tendency to settle for second best. I'm sure the council wants to embrace new ideas. Even if it is not a route they want to go down, it is certainly one which is worth exploring."

• VOTE: Give city buildings the thumbs up or thumbs down

Wolverhampton council leader Mr Lawrence said: "If Mr Williamson wants to do anything for Wolverhampton he can lobby George Osborne for a fairer financial settlement and not to enforce this continued attack on us.

"Frankly I do not need advice from a representative of the Tories who have done nothing to offer this city.

"He can write as many letters as he wants. His advice is completely unwanted."

The city has been under attack in recent months. One report branded it the most miserable place in the country to live, while a survey by a think tank declared that Wolverhampton was not considered a city in economic terms. Wolverhampton council is in the midst of a major revamp of the city centre.

Recent developments include the pedestrianisation of Princess Street, the Interchange i10 building near the bus station and the new Youth Zone.

This year work is expected to start on the £10 million refurb of the Civic Halls and the £35m redevelopment of the Mander Centre.