More than 40 jobs to be created at new Wolverhampton pub
More than 40 new jobs will be created at a new pub which is opening as part of a major development in Wolverhampton.
The new Marston’s pub restaurant on the Bilston Urban Village development is called White Rabbit.
The Bankfield Road venue's name is a nod to the mining heritage of Bilston and the surrounding areas during the 18th century, pub chiefs said.
Marston's said the White Rabbit comes from historic local accounts about miners who were said to be haunted by an evil spirit causing great danger at the mines for the workers.
The leader who was deeply troubled by this, instigated a ceremony to ask for protection and guidance from the ‘White Rabbit’, a symbolic white witch figure who protected the miners and banished the evil spirit for good.
Creating up to 45 new jobs, the pub is expected to open in early October and will include a spacious garden area and designated car park of over 60 spaces.
Mark Griffiths, area operations manager for Marston’s Inns and Taverns, said: “This area is the heartland for Marston’s so we are really excited to be part of this development.
“The pub is an extension of people’s lives so we are happy that we can embrace this, and provide the community with a place they can enjoy for all occasions.”
The pub will sit between the Bert Williams Leisure Centre and Morrisons supermarket.
Keren Jones, Wolverhampton council's director for city economy, said: “Bilston Urban Village and Bilston town centre are part of the council’s wider city regeneration priorities.
“The Marston’s development further strengthens this significant scheme and we are delighted a global business made in Wolverhampton has chosen to invest in this project, which will deliver jobs for local people.”
The Bilston Urban Village project to remediate 27 acres of brownfield land for residential use was completed in June 2016.
The works programme was undertaken by the council, with funding from the Homes and Communities Agency and Local Enterprise Partnership.
It saw a major programme of site clearance, former factory floors broken up and the old railway embankment removed as the site was levelled. New roads and drainage were also installed.
The first houses have already been built and the developed brownfield land will also include areas of open space, footpaths and a water feature.
