City centre landmark set to be demolished

WOLVERHAMPTON city centre enters the latest phase of its multi-million-pound makeover today when demolition work begins on its markets complex.

Heantun House and the Market Halls in Market Square are no longer in use following the relocation in April of the indoor market to purpose-built cabins as part of the new-look city centre market.

Developer Urban & Civic has been appointed as the preferred developer for the new £55m Westside scheme.

The demolition of Heantun House marks the first phase of the scheme and is crucial in getting the 6.4-acre site ready for redevelopment.

Contractors will work closely with traders on the nearby market to cause minimal disruption throughout the process.

Cllr John Reynolds, cabinet member for the city economy, said: “The demolition of Heantun House is a symbol of real change at the heart of the city, where £992m investment is either on site or in the pipeline.

“The removal of this dated building will pave the way for dramatic changes on Westside that will boost the city centre for residents and as a visitor attraction.
 
“Throughout the demolition the nearby market will be open for business as usual and we will continue regular dialogue with the market traders to ensure their needs and those of their customers are met.”
 
Urban & Civic has been handed a six-month exclusivity period on the scheme and is working on the wider proposals for the Westside scheme.

It plans a multi-screen cinema, restaurants, bars, hotel, multi-storey car park, apartments, and public realm, in two phases over five years, with first phase construction expected to start in early 2018 and complete by early 2020.
 
It encompasses land between Penn Road Island and Salop Street, including the current School Street and Peel Street car parks and the area around Market Square.
 
Westside Phase 2 incorporates parts of land between Salop Street and Darlington Street, including the Fold Street car park. Works on this section of the development are likely to be completed in 2022.

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