Transformational plans lodged for £150m canalside regeneration scheme
Wavensmere Homes has submitted a full planning application to the City of Wolverhampton Council for its £150m Canalside South regeneration scheme.
Spanning 17.5 acres in the city centre, the former industrial site features frontage on both the Wyrley & Essington Canal and the Wolverhampton Branch of the Birmingham Main Line Canal.
The proposed development aims to transform the long-derelict site with over 530 energy-efficient homes, seven acres of green space and commercial amenities.
Designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects, the project will include low-rise buildings that complement the surrounding conservation area and enhance the canalside setting.
A public consultation took place in May this year and welcomed local opinions on the plans.
The waterfront development is located on the eastern edge of the city centre, combining the Canal & River Trust’s former Crane Foundry site, the Council’s old British Steel site, and land off Qualcast Road for a comprehensive project.
Wavensmere plans to build 378 two- and three-bedroom townhouses with high energy ratings, 145 one- and two-bedroom apartments, and a 10-unit co-living building with six bedrooms per unit.
The developer also aims to redevelop disused railway arches into 1,338 sq m (14,400 sq ft) of commercial space.
James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “Following extensive consultation with local people, City of Wolverhampton Council, additional partners and stakeholders, we are thrilled to lodge our refined plans for Canalside South, which fully reflect the national significance of this special development opportunity.
“Situated along one of the most historic stretches of canal in the country, these £150m plans introduce new green space, amenities, and a range of different housing typologies to the city. 54 houses and 80 apartments and co-living bedrooms will benefit from waterside views. This scheme is set to be the catalyst for a new wave of ambitious city living, which is vital to see the Wolverhampton pound spent locally.
“Our team has a strong history of regenerating vacant land in the Black Country and can confidently transform this site into a landmark development the whole region can be immensely proud of. 70% of our existing supply chain is local to the site, and the construction programme will create more than 100 jobs. We will continue to work alongside the Council and all stakeholders as these plans are considered.”
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city development, skills and jobs, said: “We welcome this planning application from Wavensmere Homes for Canalside South, which is one of the largest city centre residential development opportunities in the Midlands. Redevelopment of this prime site would enable our residents to benefit from superb connectivity, amenities, and health and well-being opportunities at this wonderful heritage location.
“Bringing life back to redundant sites along our canal network is critical to boosting footfall into Wolverhampton city centre and part of our brownfield first strategy, fulfilling a key objective of our Canalside Delivery Partnership with the Canal & River Trust.”
