Housing at Wolverhampton's former Royal Hospital site will provide major economic boost
Plans to transform the former Royal Hospital site into housing will be another boost for business in the city, according to the Black Country's Chamber of Commerce.
The retail giant had planned to build a £65 million superstore - but it was one of a number of projects dropped last year.
Despite plans for the site now centring on new homes, Ninder Johal, Chairman of the Black Country Chamber Of Commerce, said it would still provide a major economic boost.
He said: "Those looking to invest into the Black Country do take housing supply into account when they are looking at how strong a region is.
"It is an important factor also when it comes to retaining a skilled workforce if they see an area as somewhere they can live.
"This is also disused land being put to a new use - all in all a welcome decision."
The 12.5 acre site at Cleveland Road will be predominately used for residential development – including starter homes.
But a new campus for the City of Wolverhampton College is also being considered as part of the long-awaited restoration of the listed hospital buildings.
College bosses confirmed that a feasibility study of the hospital site is taking place and is due to be completed by the end of the month.
Principal Claire Boliver said it was one of a few being considered for a new state-of-the-art campus. The news was also welcomed by bosses at Wolverhampton council.
It comes as more businesses prepare to open at the £8.1m i10 development in the city centre.
Work has also started on the multi-million pound revamp of Wolverhampton train station. The multi-storey car park is being extended to increase its capacity from 450 to more than 800 long stay spaces.
Once completed, it will pave the way for the new state-of-the-art railway station to be built and the Metro line extension, which will include a new stop at the station.
Mr Johal said all these developments - alongside others taking place - were great news for the city.
He added: "I have been saying for a few years that Wolverhampton is on the up - this is another confirmation of that fact. In fact the entire Black Country is surging ahead.
"There are plenty of good signs in Wolverhampton if you look at development by the University and at the Mander Centre and with the new railway station. They are all great things for the city."
The Royal Hospital site had become a focus of frustration for the city, having been the subject of numerous delays since Tesco first unveiled plans for a new Wolverhampton store more than a decade ago and it had been hoped the superstore would help regenerate one of the most deprived parts of the city.
