Wolverhampton regeneration gathers pace as train station plans submitted

THE regeneration of Wolverhampton city centre has taken another big step forward with plans submitted for the multi-million pound redevelopment of the railway station.

The Interchange partnership – the driving force behind the regeneration scheme – has submitted plans to demolish the existing station and replace it with a new one.
 
Work is due to begin next year following the extension and refurbishment of the railway station multi-storey car park, which is expected to be completed by Christmas.
 
It forms part of the £120m Interchange project that will also see a Metro line extension, including a new stop at the station.
 
The new station will also benefit from an enhanced Birmingham New Street-style ticket office, larger passenger concourse, ample ticket barriers to ease flow onto and off platforms, much improved retail and café facilities, increased taxi rank provision and a more efficient passenger drop off/pick up arrangement.
 
Cllr Peter Bilson, deputy leader and cabinet member for City Assets, said: “This is an important step forward in the Interchange project, which is really gathering pace now. The people of Wolverhampton can look forward to a railway station befitting of their city.
 
“There is £3.7bn of investment currently on site or in the pipeline across Wolverhampton.
 
“As part of this regeneration it is crucial visitors to our city get the best first impression possible and their travel experience is enhanced – this new state-of-the-art station will deliver that.”
 
Steve Parry, managing director of Neptune Developments – which is delivering the project, added: “These proposals for the main railway station building illustrate that the city will soon have a new high quality gateway.  
 
“Submitting the plans is a key milestone in this exciting project for Wolverhampton.”
 
Dave Whitehouse, Virgin Trains Interchange Project Manager Wolverhampton, said: “The plans really bring the new-look station alive.
 
“There’s a real sense of excitement as we work together to give the city a station to be proud of.”