Westside transformation: People have their say over multi-million pound project in Wolverhampton

And now people are being encouraged to have their say on the development as a consultation is now under way.

The Westside Development which will be on land between Penn Road Island and Salop Street, will include 300 new homes and 50,000 sq ft of leisure space.

It is hoped that the development could create up to 430 new jobs.

Restaurants will be spread over 40,000 sq ft and a 100-plus will be part of the scheme, on 6.4 acres of land.

The development could also include a new cinema, a hotel, public green spaces and car parking.

The developers are now holding high-profile consultation events for people to have their say on the plans.

• MORE: Take a look at the major developments planned in the city - PICTURES and VIDEO

Dozens of people passed by the display on the plans in the Mander Centre for the consultation on Friday and Saturday, with representatives from the developers Urban and Civic showing off their designs.

Development director of Urban & Civic, Simon Hawkins, said: "It's very important that we find out what people who live and work in Wolverhampton feel about the plans.

"The feedback we receive here will inform further work and go into our further work.

"We want to engage the community in this process and talk about any issues that may be concerning them."

Construction on phase one of the project is expected to be complete by early 2020.

It encompasses land between Penn Road Island and Salop Street, including the current School Street and Peel Street car parks and the area around Market Square.

Architect Carl Braim, of The Harris Partnership, was also there at the display to talk to people.

He said: "It is vital that we hear from people to adapt our designs in response to their specific feedback.

"This is a development for the people of the city so it's right that they should have their say on the designs."

Phase two incorporates parts of land between Salop Street and Darlington Street, including the Fold Street car park.

Works on this section of the development are likely to be completed in 2022.

Alan Taylor, 73, and Denise Taylor, 70, of Coseley, looked at the plans while passing by the display at the Mander Centre.

Mr Taylor said: "I think this is absolutely the type of thing that the city needs. It's long overdue. We need to get more shops, restaurants and things to do in the city to keep it going.

"People want to go out in the city and spend more time here with other things to do, so hopefully this will bring that."

Mrs Taylor added: "I think it's brilliant from what I've seen so far. It looks very impressive so I hope the reality matches the pictures."

People were able to pick up leaflets from the display, filling in a questionnaire at the back and return to the developers.

Questions included - 'Do you support the emerging proposals for Westside Development? and 'What would you like to see included in the final design of the scheme?'.

Previously, developers had shown off their plans as part of an international property event in Cannes called MIPIM.