£4 million revamp for Wolverhampton University

Plans have been submitted to Wolverhampton council to redevelop the food court at its Millennium City Building, improve the main courtyard area and create better access to the back of the Wulfruna Building.

The campus in Wulfruna Street houses the university's main reception and the Arena Theatre.

Work will begin in March and is expected to be completed by the autumn.

Jennifer Wood, estates and facilities manager at the university, said: "Catering facilities at the Millennium City Building will be extended and improved.

"The courtyard area will also be landscaped and transformed to make it a more attractive environment for everyone who uses the campus."

Four food outlets will feature in the new food court, plus a franchise cafe in a single-storey extension, complete with a frontage which can be opened up in warmer seasons.

A glass entrance foyer will be installed, designed to make the building more welcoming and the main courtyard of the campus, which has been described as dated, will feature a row of trees at the centre of simplified layout.

Access to the rear corner of the Assembly Hall Building, facing St Peters Square, will also be improved, under the proposals put forward.

The current entrance point features, described as inadequate and contrived, will be replaced by copper cladding in a bid to create long-lasting appeal and visual character.

Meanwhile, disabled access will be improved through the introduction of new 'flexi' steps, which can form a ramp when required.

Documents submitted with the planning application add: "The extensions will provide useful and needed improvements to the university generally and will expand and improve on the existing social and catering facilities available to the students, staff and visitors."

The university is spending £250m in a 'once-in-a-lifetime' investment to boost economic growth and job prospects across the Black Country.

Money will be spent on a host of ongoing projects, including the £65m Springfield Brewery construction college and a £10m health college in West Bromwich.

The university is also building a £25m science block, as well as an £18m business school.