Wolverhampton set for £70m of investment after city's 'largest regeneration project' approved

Full planning permission was awarded today (March 4) for City Centre West, a scheme which will see over 1,000 homes built alongside new shops and cafes on a plot of land between School Street and Darlington Street in Wolverhampton.

Around £68 million will be invested into the city centre as part of the development along with the creation of 30 permanent jobs, while 500 jobs per year will be created in the construction industry during the building phase.

City of Wolverhampton Council says first phase works could commence later this year, and would include 331 rental and affordable homes along with new retail opportunities and public spaces. 

The council added that the development, which is being built in partnership with ECF – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – will be renamed to Smithgate in a nod to the city's historic metalworking industry.

“Smithgate will put people at the heart of the city centre with new homes, shops, cafes, and restaurants," said Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills at City of Wolverhampton Council.

“It will drive economic growth which will benefit all our communities, help meet our significant housing needs and create a new place for people to visit and spend time.

“Now planning approval is in place we will continue to support ECF in securing the external funding needed to enable delivery of this transformational scheme.”

The local authority says the approval comes as part of a wider economic strategy to bring more people into the city centre, which will "elevate Wolverhampton’s wider offer" and boost footfall to support new and established businesses. Around 20,000 square feet of retail space is set to be added once the development is complete. 

The first phase of the development will see a new six storey residential apartment block known as 'bicycle works' built between Peel Street and Salop Street, closely followed by another two six storey residential blocks on an adjacent plot.

According to a planning statement submitted with the application the near five hectare development will be residential led, with a mix of retail uses on the ground floor. The planning statement adds that existing outdoor spaces could be used for "Meanwhile Uses" to draw people into the area while construction is underway. 

"The retail offer will be distinct from the centre, offering a more diverse style of retail and amenity that will serve the new residents," the document says.

Basit Ali, Development Director at ECF, added: "With planning consent secured we will be able to work quickly to start delivery of the first phase at Smithgate.

“We’ve worked closely and in partnership with Wolverhampton Council to develop plans for an exciting new neighbourhood which will bring something different and new to the city. Its new name – ‘Smithgate’ – reflects the city’s historic industrial base as we deliver a dynamic new gateway to Wolverhampton.

“Wolverhampton is a place with ambition, a plan, and the capability to deliver. Reaching this milestone is testament to our strong partnership with the council, the city’s leadership, and the local authority’s pro-active and supportive approach.”