The £55m Westside development in Wolverhampton has just taken a big step forward
A £55 million leisure scheme has taken a major step forward with formal plans being submitted by the developer.
The Westside development would transform the area surrounding Wolverhampton's market and feature a 12-screen cinema, restaurants, 150-bed hotel and 700-space car park.
Developers Urban & Civic have now submitted a formal outline planning application to Wolverhampton council.
Within supporting documents it is revealed that a high-profile consultation held over two days resulted in 100 per cent positive feedback.
Chiefs have said construction on the first phase remains on track to start next year.
Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for city economy, said: “This is another important step for this fantastic city centre scheme - and everything is progressing well towards the start of works early next year.
“The scheme has already attracted unprecedented demand from occupiers.
“Urban & Civic possess an excellent track record in delivering comparable high-quality schemes in the UK and have the financial support in place.
“There is a general enthusiasm around the Westside opportunity, and optimism concerning the groundswell of regeneration activity across the city, where £3.7 billion of investment is on site or in the pipeline.
“The outstanding proposals put forward by Urban&Civic perfectly meet our expectations of a regenerated Wolverhampton.”
Building work on phase one of the project is expected to be complete by early 2020.
This includes land between Penn Road Island and Salop Street, including the current School Street and Peel Street car parks and the area around Market Square.
Phase two incorporates parts of land between Salop Street and Darlington Street, including the Fold Street car park.
It will deliver new city centre homes and more retail and leisure space.
Work on this section of the development is likely to be completed in 2022.
Philip Leech, property director for Urban & Civic, said: “We are delighted to have reached this important milestone in the delivery of Westside.
“We have had an exceptional level of interest from occupiers and look forward to starting construction next year.”
