Construction works start on i9 office development
Construction has started on the i9 development in Wolverhampton, a scheme which will provide up to 52,000 sq ft of office space.
i9 emerged as a scheme following the success of the i10 complex on the opposite side of Railway Drive.
The scheme also has potential for 5,600 sq ft of leisure space for restaurants, and is planned for completion in 2021.
City of Wolverhampton Council and property developer Ion selected Glenn Howells Architects’ design for i9.
They are the architects behind the Paradise Birmingham scheme – one of the biggest city centre development projects in the UK.
Cllr Harman Banger, cabinet member for city economy, said: “It is great news to see full works starting on the spectacular i9 building at heart of the city’s Interchange. It is another step towards our aspirations of creating a Commercial District in this area of the city. 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. This important site ideally lends itself to a distinctive, high-quality headquarters building.”
Ion managing director Steve Parry added: “This marks a further milestone in the regeneration of Wolverhampton city centre. By creating a Grade A office building of the highest standard, it will enable Wolverhampton to compete with other major cities across the UK for the provision of workspace. Building upon the success of i10 and the transport links created by the Interchange, we anticipate that i9 will create further growth in the office sector, benefitting the city as a whole.”
GRAHAM regional director, Ronan Hughes, said: “Wolverhampton is undergoing a period of regeneration that is set to transform the city and attract further investment and jobs to the area. We are therefore pleased to have been appointed as the main contractor on i9 – a significant new building that benefits from a prime location and high-spec office facilities. We look forward to working with the wider project team to deliver this new, sustainable commercial development for the city.”
