Latest images on plans for city centre’s transformation revealed

New artist’s impressions of what Wolverhampton city centre could look like after a major transformation programme have been revealed.

City of Wolverhampton Council’s Westside Link proposal forms part of the city’s Connected Places strategy.

It will limit traffic flows through the city centre core, providing an opportunity to create a series of spaces enabling the city to host varied events.

The council said the designs take account of the need for the city to move away from being primarily a retail destination.

The scheme will provide improved pedestrian access from the Interchange through the city centre core to the £55m leisure-led Westside development, which will include a multi-screen cinema.

The works will be carried out in two phases.

The first phase will cover Victoria Street, Skinner Street, Salop Street and School Street, and is expected to run from May 2019 to December 2019.

It will include the removal of the existing roadway and the creation of a new public square.

The second phase incorporates Queen Square, Lichfield Street, Cheapside, Exchange Street and Darlington Street and is planned to run from January 2020 and July 2021.

This phase will see the removal of the roadway through Queen Square and Lichfield Street, the creation of a new city square formed around the Prince Albert statue to provide an event space, and the inclusion of mature trees.

Across both phases car parking will not be reduced by the scheme and existing and new car parking will be positioned for events and activities; disabled parking will be re-accommodated in existing city centre car parks and on-street; bus routes will be redirected, and new bus stops provided; and the existing taxi rank in Victoria Street will be relocated onto School Street or Darlington Street.

The proposal is expected to reduce vacancy rates in the city centre, create jobs and bring in more money to the city economy through a combination of improved retail/leisure activity, as well as produce high-quality public realm.

The scheme will be supported by funding from a combination of Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership, West Midlands Combined Authority, Defra-Air Quality, Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport -Smart City, Events City and match funding.

An exhibition will be held at the Civic Centre weekdays from Monday, October 8 until Friday, October 26, between 9am and 4.30pm, and at the Mander Centre on Saturday, October 13, between 10am and 3pm.

The exhibition will showcase the proposals, provide the opportunity to speak to the project leads and give feedback.

The closing date for comments is Friday, November 2.

Cllr John Reynolds, cabinet member for city economy, said: “We are rethinking and reimagining our city centre.

“These plans will transform it and make it a much more enjoyable place for residents and visitors.

“I would urge as many people as possible to view the proposals and provide their feedback to help us shape the details of the scheme.”

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