Wolverhampton train station redevelopment in £22m boost
A long-awaited redevelopment of Wolverhampton's eyesore rail station has taken a leap forward after transport bosses were told they could borrow almost £22 million.
Transport authority Centro needs to raise the remaining funds to take forward the £96m project and will pay it back using the money from car parking fees.
It emerged during a public planning inquiry into the city centre extension of the Midland Metro that transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin had agreed to the borrowing plan.
Centro says it will still be some time before work can start as there are still legal matters to resolve.
It comes as the authority is giving evidence at the Novotel over its £15m plans to extend the Midland Metro along Pipers Row.
Centro spokesman Steve Swingler said: "We will now work with Network Rail and industry partners to draw up the formal documentation needed to secure a long term lease on the car park.
"However, it's important to remember that a Transport and Works Act for the project is still required and this is the subject of the public inquiry."
Mr Neil Cameron QC, representing Centro, told the public inquiry that the rail station redevelopment would transform public transport in the city and create 1,500 jobs.
He said: "Passenger use of Wolverhampton Railway station has more than doubled since 2005, but does not provide the type of facilities expected in the 21st century.
"A scheme to address the deficiencies of the railway station and to improve integration and connectivity between heavy rail and the tram system has been developed, this is the Wolverhampton Interchange Project."
