Major retailer set to sign up to Wolverhampton’s £10m i10

A SECOND new tenant of a multi-million pound office and retail development in Wolverhampton city centre is close to being signed up.
 
Negotiations are in the final stages with health and beauty retailer Superdrug over a move to a ground floor unit of i10 (Interchange 10).
 
The deal would make the unit the retailer’s second store in the city centre and lead to the creation of a number of new jobs. The company’s existing shop in the Mander Centre will also remain open for business.
 
The city council has confirmed it is also in advanced negotiations with other businesses looking to move into the development, which is based at the Wolverhampton Interchange next to the city’s bus and railway stations.
 
Cllr Peter Bilson, deputy leader and cabinet member for City Assets, said: “The roof is now complete on i10 and with a second company set to sign up as a tenant it is great to see the vision becoming a reality.
 
“We have had a great deal of interest in i10 from a number of different companies and we are delighted a brand like Superdrug is looking to expand its presence in the city.
 
“We look forward to making more announcements in the coming months.”
 
Pubco Greene King was the first to sign up to the new scheme when it agreed last year to open one of its Hungry Horse family-friendly restaurants within the ground floor.

The council said that as well as encouraging more investment and boosting prosperity in the city, the i10 scheme would become the gateway to the city for people arriving off the train, bus or Metro.

Wider development of the area will include a major new railway station and relocation of the Metro stop.
 
Planning permission has been granted for the extension of the station car park and the new bus station is already in use.

In September 2013 the city council announced a total investment of £10.6m in the area around the interchange, including constructing i10 building. It will enhance the city’s office supply in addition to its retail provision, by providing new Grade A offices.

The £10.6m investment has also seen the council acquire the leases for the neighbouring Victoria Square office and retail development and Queen’s Buildings.
The completed i10 building will comprise 35,000 sq ft of high quality office accommodation arranged over three floors and constructed to BREEAM Excellent standard, thereby making it one of the most sustainable buildings in the city.

In addition to the offices, the building will also comprise 12,400 sq ft of ground floor leisure and retail accommodation.