Major regeneration plans green-lit in Wolverhampton
Plans for Wolverhampton’s largest regeneration opportunity have been approved by the City of Wolverhampton Council.
ECF – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – working in partnership with the council, submitted proposals for City Centre West in November. This included detailed plans for phase one and outline plans for the remaining three phases of the masterplan.
Works would include 241 build-to-rent apartments and 90 affordable homes along with new retail opportunities and public spaces. The delivery of phase one could begin later this year, subject to funding agreements being in place.
City Centre West will also now be renamed Smithgate, in a nod to Wolverhampton’s historic metalworks.
The 12-acre site’s transformational masterplan features more than 1,070 new homes, including open market sales, BTR and affordable homes, delivered across four phases. As well as a new neighbourhood, the development will include a new Market Square, shops, restaurants and bars, all set in a new public realm and green space.
Basit Ali, development director at ECF said: “With planning consent secured we will be able to work quickly to start delivery of the first phase at Smithgate.
“We’ve worked closely and in partnership with Wolverhampton Council to develop plans for an exciting new neighbourhood which will bring something different and new to the city. Its new name – ‘Smithgate’ – reflects the city’s historic industrial base as we deliver a dynamic new gateway to Wolverhampton.
“Wolverhampton is a place with ambition, a plan, and the capability to deliver. Reaching this milestone is testament to our strong partnership with the council, the city’s leadership, and the local authority’s proactive and supportive approach.”
Cllr Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs, and skills at City of Wolverhampton Council said: “Smithgate will put people at the heart of the city centre with new homes, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
“It will drive economic growth which will benefit all our communities, help meet our significant housing needs and create a new place for people to visit and spend time.
“Now planning approval is in place we will continue to support ECF in securing the external funding needed to enable delivery of this transformational scheme.”
