Wolverhampton's Civic Centre car park reopening after £2m revamp

The council's 40-year-old Civic Centre car park closed on March 14 for repairs and maintenance.

Once reopened, drivers will see wider spaces, a better layout and lighting, and improved pay points at the 395-space site.

Wolverhampton council spokesman, Tim Clark, said: "We've carried out a programme of essential repairs, maintenance and refurbishment to improve and prolong the life of this important city centre car park using local contractors.

"We timed the work to coincide with the closure of the neighbouring Civic and Wulfrun Halls and have aimed throughout to reopen the car park in time for the busy university graduation season in September.

"I'm pleased to say we are on schedule and the car park will reopen on Thursday.

"The public will notice a much-improved car park with wider spaces, a better layout, better lighting and modern ways to pay. We are very much looking forward to welcoming customers to the new-look car park."

Repairs have taken place to address concrete erosion, while a a new fire safety sprinkler system was also being installed.

The work comes as the city undergoes a multi-million pound transformation with a number of development projects.

Last week, preparatory work started on the demolition of Heantun House and the Market Halls in Market Square as part of the multi-million pound Westside development plans.

The building has been vacant for months, following the relocation in April of the indoor market traders to purpose-built cabins.

Last month, the council named Urban & Civic as its preferred Westside developer to deliver a £55 million leisure-led mixed use scheme.

And the demolition of Heantun House is another element in making the 6.4 acre site ready for development.

Meanwhile, work is also progressing on the £35m transformation of the Mander Centre.

Work is taking place constructing a new flagship Debenhams.

The centre's revamp is due to be completed in its entirety by autumn next year.

The revamp of the shopping centre is one of the most significant private-sector investments in the city over the last 20 years and will create up to 150 new jobs.

The project also includes building new customer lifts and a new entrance from the roof level of the centre's car park.

The Mander Centre was built in 1968 and then extensively refurbished in 1987 and during 2003.