Wolverhampton launches design competition for new i9 scheme

WOLVERHAMPTON city council has used the MIPIM UK property exhibition as the launch pad for a new design competition heralding the next stage of the city’s regeneration.

The local authority wants to attract eye-catching designs for he city’s prestigious i9 site, which lies within the Interchange development, close to the city’s bus and train stations.

Supported by development partner, Neptune Developments, the brief calls for a modern office building befitting of a national headquarters or regional office.

To meet the criteria, the design must also be sensitive to neighbouring Victorian landmarks such as the Chubb Buildings and the Prince Albert pub.

The brief also asks architects and urban design practices to provide concept designs for the former Steam Mill site as well as delivering a refreshed masterplan – including an overall design vision and development briefs – for the remaining parcels of land within Wolverhampton’s £120m Interchange and the areas of public realm between them.

The move comes on the back of the success of i10, the Grade A office and retail development, which was fully let within nine months of opening its doors.

Other land earmarked for development includes sites beside the railway – old Sack Works, Banana Yard and Boat Yard – and a hotel proposal next to the railway station multi-storey car park.

Cllr John Reynolds, cabinet member for City Economy, said: “The aim of the competition is to provide us with outstanding designs for i9 and the former Steam Mill site.

“This combined with blueprints for the other parcels of land, will help us quickly progress developments with our Interchange partners over the coming years.

“Since i10 was completed we have seen increasing demand for quality office space in that location of the city, particularly from large space users.”

He said i9 had always been envisaged to satisfy that demand, but the concept design was important as it would demonstrate Wolverhampton’s ability to deliver a high quality landmark office building in a sensitve location.

“We want this building to become the design and quality benchmark for future developments in the city and to demonstrate our ambition for the city centre,” he added.

“This important site ideally lends itself to a distinctive, high-quality headquarters building. We know there are inquiries swirling around the market for that kind of building.”

Steve Parry, managing director of Neptune Developments, added: “The remarkable success of the i10 development has shown Wolverhampton can compete for and secure occupiers based upon a combination of high quality communications and excellent value.

“Taking forward i9 with an even greater emphasis on design quality will enable us to develop a unique and distinctive offer for larger space users – a building unique to Wolverhampton.”

The council is using MIPIM to showcase the many development opportunities in Wolverhampton, as it builds on the £992m investment planned for the city centre.

The council hopes to announce the winning i9 concept by the time of the international MIPIM property show, at Cannes, next March.