The City of Wolverhampton Council, in partnership with English Cities Fund (ECF) consortium has submitted a hybrid planning application for the City Centre West project in England, UK.
Consortium members include Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse.
The detailed plans for phase one feature over 330 new high-quality homes and retail opportunities on the currently unused land between Peel Street and Market Square. Additionally, the submission outlines the subsequent phases of the masterplan.
The masterplan aims to deliver more than 1,000 new homes, including affordable housing options, and envisions the creation of new shops, cafes, and restaurants.
It is designed to support the enhancement of Market Square and contribute to Wolverhampton's economic strategy by attracting more people to the city centre, increasing footfall, and improving the city's overall appeal.
Earlier in 2024, initial concepts for City Centre West were shared with the public. The application follows a comprehensive community engagement process and collaboration with various partners, which influenced the final design.
As the local planning authority, the City of Wolverhampton Council will review the application and is expected to reach a decision by early 2025. If approved, construction on the first phase could commence as soon as next year.
Spanning a 5 hectare area that connects School Street and Darlington Street, City Centre West is strategically located within the Wolverhampton City Centre.
According to the Local Plan Area Action Plan (AAP) adopted in 2016, this site represents the largest development and regeneration opportunity in the city centre.
The plan envisions the transformation of the area into a new district through high-quality mixed-use development, bolstered by excellent transport links to the wider region and Birmingham City Centre.
City of Wolverhampton Council City Development, Jobs, and Skills cabinet member councillor Chris Burden said: “This planning application provides a masterplan for what is a key regeneration site in Wolverhampton city centre.
“City Centre West is an opportunity to put people at the heart of the city with new homes, shops, cafes or restaurants.
“It aligns with our ambitions to transform the city centre and the planners will now consider the submission in detail.”
