Ex-Wickes and Iceland boss meets council chiefs for city centre talks

City of Wolverhampton Council managing director Tim Johnson, and deputy leader Peter Bilson flank Bill Grimsey

Retail expert Bill Grimsey, the former chief of Wickes and Iceland, has met with City of Wolverhampton’s council bosses to give his verdict on their plans to reshape the city centre.

City of Wolverhampton Council is to establish a commission to further develop its vision as mapped out by a July report called ‘Enabling a Vibrant City Centre’ .

This follows a core recommendation in the national Grimsey Review 2 which looks at ways to deliver a sustainable high street in the wake of a challenging national retail climate where stores are closing.

Author of the review, Grimsey, met with deputy leader Peter Bilson, managing director, Tim Johnson, and other senior officials, who outlined the challenges City of Wolverhampton is facing and explained their vision for the city centre.

The former Wickes and Iceland chief, who first looked at ways to revive the high street in an influential 2013 national review, was also given a tour of the city centre.

Grimsey, said: “The local authority has to be the leader in terms of place. They own things like planning, highways education and health. They need to lead the community – and the community will respond.

“With the right vision and determination, the council will make the biggest difference in Wolverhampton.

“They need to create a purposed place for a new world where technology is influencing people. I think they recognise that and they are going to get on and do it. They get my 100 per cent encouragement to do that.”

Bilson, added: “We are delighted Bill accepted our invitation to spend the day with us in our city centre.

“His knowledge of the UK high street and retail is immense and we were keen for him to give his thoughts on our plans.

“More than £1 billion of investment is on site or planned for the city centre and it is vital we lead the way in getting the strategy right.

“Taking advice and support from experts like Bill should ensure we reshape our city centre into a vibrant and thriving place for residents and visitors.”

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