Wolverhampton to create commission to push city centre transformation

Wolverhampton City Council is to establish a Commission to help it develop a plan for the transformation of the city centre.

In a report called ‘Enabling a vibrant city centre’, put to the Stronger City Economy Scrutiny Board last month, a Commission will be established to undertake the work and its membership is currently being discussed.

The Wolverhampton City Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, Cllr John Reynolds said:”There is £1bn of investment on site or planned in the city centre and the council has been working for a while with a number of partners to transform it. Cities and towns up and down the country face the challenge of a retail world that is changing quite dramatically due to the booming on line market and the tendency to focus on out-of-town shopping areas. This Commission will help to drive forward our work to re-shape and re-purpose the city centre to make it attractive to visitors and economically sustainable.”

This initiative comes in the aftermath of the national Grimsey Review 2 – which looks at ways to deliver a sustainable High Street in the wake of a challenging retail climate where stores are closing.

Cllr Reynolds added that:”Major investment is also set to transform the city’s public realm , with our well publicised Connected Places and Lighting up the City projects making the city a more welcoming place for pedestrians while at the same time providing urban event spaces for day and night time activity.”

“This includes major events like the Food & Drink Festival, Armed Forces Day, Pride, Victorian Christmas Market and Enjoy Wolverhampton 22 day summer visitor programme.”

Cllr Reynolds concluded by saying that the city council was :”Aware of the growing importance of attracting people and visitors to the city centre, the council has been working with the likes of the BID and the Mander Centre to develop new ways of increasing visitor footfall.”

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