£11.7m plans for skills centre on former brewery site take a step forward

PLANS have been submitted for an £11.7m flagship skills centre which will see the transformation of the historic Springfield Brewery site in Wolverhampton.

The plans, put forward by the University of Wolverhampton, would see the development of The Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS), funded through £7.6m from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Deal and £4.15m from industry partners.

The plans include the redevelopment of an L-shaped brick building which was constructed in the early 1880s and originally used as the brewery’s stables until it was used as a vehicle garage and repair shop.
 
The current building has suffered from deterioration and dilapidation since the closure of the brewery more than 20 years ago.

The design aims to deliver space for the provision of training, teaching and demonstration, and also includes welfare facilities and administrative offices.

Professor Geoff Layer, vice-chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) is an important element of our plans to transform the former Springfield Brewery site into a major educational quarter within Wolverhampton city centre.
 
“The planning application is the next step in this exciting project which brings together employers, further education and higher education in the Black Country.
 
“The Springfield Campus is a significant part of the University’s Your Vision, Our Opportunity investment plan, which will generate £250m of investment over the next five years. Once complete, the super-campus will provide skills education from the age of 14 right through to advanced professional level.
 
“We are committed to the regeneration of Wolverhampton, and this marks the next stage of our ambitious plans to re-develop this historic site, boost the economy and create jobs.”

The planning application for the ECMS at the Springfield Campus has been submitted to Wolverhampton City Council.