Planning approval paves way for new Wolverhampton city centre bowling alley and leisure destination

Planners at City of Wolverhampton council gave the go-ahead for the 17,000 square foot development on Victoria Street which is set to be anchored by UK Leisure operator Superbowl. 

An agreement for a 15-year lease on the site was agreed in August this year, and 30 jobs are set to be created by the scheme. The new development would be the 15th site for Superbowl UK in England and Wales, featuring 12 bowling lanes, a soft play area, interactive darts, a bar and diner, and a gaming arcade, the firm says.

Around £500,000 worth of work is set to be completed on multiple vacant commercial units before the site opens in early 2025, with the new leisure destination set to provide breathe new life into Wolverhampton City Centre, according to Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills.

“The scheme provides a major boost to the city centre’s leisure offer for residents and visitors, creates jobs for local people, increases footfall and dwell time to support current and emerging businesses, and complements plans coming forward for major regeneration around the Market Square area in partnership with the ECF," he said.

“The Superbowl UK investment, will ensure the currently vacant retail space will be occupied, boosting the local economy, and creating 30 new job opportunities for residents, including management positions and guest experience hosts.

“The development will also serve as a catalyst for further investment, and the council continues to work with [Mander Centre owners] Catella APAM on attracting other new leisure and food and beverage occupiers, to capitalise on their confidence in the city.”

The scheme decided by council planners last week included the new installation of frontage and glazing facing onto Victoria Street, including the incorporation of louvres and panels, and the addition of new entry and exit doors at several vacant units in the Mander Centre.

The work is set to be completed by Catella APAM’s sustainable retrofitters and principal contracting business, Vantage, in time for an opening early next year.

Harry Wilce, Asset Manager at Catella APAM, said: “We are delighted to welcome Superbowl UK to the Mander Centre as the main anchor for our leisure offer to improve the customer offer at the centre and extend the operating hours, generating significant increase in footfall for the city centre.”