Traders speak out over demolition plan for Wolverhampton city centre

Business owners and those working close to Bell Street in the city centre have had mixed responses to the news that the council is to begin knocking down the vacant premises as part of a £1 billion investment in the area.

The council purchased numbers one to five Bell Street in April last year, but it has now revealed that bulldozers will be used to move their Southside regeneration plan forward.

Amerjit Bhangu, owner of Sachin's Deli based on nearby Victoria Street, said: "I'd welcome the demolition of that row. It's an eyesore.

"I think what really needs to happen is for the council to attract more office workers and professionals into the city which would boost our trade.

"Footfall has decreased rapidly in the five years we've been here so we need something to give business a boost."

The latest news comes as the council recently revealed its vision for the busy junction between Bell Street, Victoria Street and Skinner Street.

An artist's impression of the junction shows a fully pedestrianised area with its own water feature, trees and seating. The council has not confirmed whether its purchase and forthcoming demolition of the buildings along Bell Street is linked to that ambition.

Oskana Tadauskiene of St John's Cafe, based on St John's Street, close to the former entrance to the Mander Centre, said: "I would love for the council to knock down all of the empty shops - maybe then people would see my cafe more.

"We get around 20 to 30 customers a day, a few more on Fridays when the builders come in, but it's not the best.

"I just want to see more people this side of the city centre. Maybe these new plans will do that?"

The shop nearest to the planned demolition area is Forbidden Planet, based on the corner of Victoria Street and Bell Street.

Chris Pall, manager of the store said: "I think the council should have communicated with us.

"I take these plans with a pinch of salt. I think there are concerns about what will happen to the area while the demolition takes place - will they close roads, will we have to relocate?

"It's okay saying that the outcome will be positive, but what about the period where the work is actually going on, what will happen to our businesses then?"

Khalil Opticians based on Victoria Street has been in the city since February 1981. Owner Shaker Khalil said: "I used to run the car park at the back of the properties along Bell Street that the council bought.

"I'm not happy about how long its taken for progress to be made. Business has also been significantly affected by the closure of old Mander Centre entrance.

"Some days, we're lucky to get one customer. I just hope that this news, and the arrival of Debenhams in the Mander Centre will change things for us."

The now vacant units along Bell Street used to house a furniture shop, an amusement arcade and clothes shop.

Since the premises were bought by the council last year, it also demolished the former Netto site on the corner of Cleveland Street and Snow Hill. The site has since become a car park and will eventually house the new market.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “Southside is looking very different as we reshape this area of the city.

“The new market will be a real asset and we are developing our strategy for the immediate surrounding area.

“It all fits into the £1 billion of investment that is either on site or in the pipeline for the city centre.”