The Wolverhampton City Centre West regeneration scheme in the UK has received approval from the local planning authority.
The initiative, led by the English Cities Fund (ECF) in partnership with City of Wolverhampton Council, aims to transform the City Centre West area into a new neighbourhood named Smithgate.
ECF, a joint venture comprising Muse, housing and regeneration agency Homes England, and financial services group Legal & General, submitted the planning proposals in late 2024.
These proposals detailed the first phase of development and provided an outline application for the broader master plan.
With the planning approval now secured, the project is set to deliver more than 1,000 new homes, including affordable housing options, and will introduce new retail spaces, cafés, restaurants, and public areas alongside an improved Market Square.
The commencement of the first phase of the Smithgate project is contingent upon securing funding agreements. If these are finalised, construction could begin later this year.
This initial phase is expected to include 331 build-to-rent and affordable homes, alongside the creation of the aforementioned new retail spaces and public areas.
City of Wolverhampton Council city development, jobs, and skills cabinet member and councillor Chris Burden said: “Smithgate will put people at the heart of the city centre with new homes, shops, cafés, and restaurants.
“It will drive economic growth which will benefit all our communities, help meet our significant housing needs and create a new place for people to visit and spend time.”
“Now planning approval is in place we will continue to support ECF in securing the external funding needed to enable delivery of this transformational scheme.”
Earlier in January this year, ECF submitted proposals for the construction of 42 affordable homes in Cleminson Street in Salford, UK, adhering to the Passivhaus Classic standard.
