Demolition work underway at former Rackhams building in Wolverhampton

REGENERATION plans for Wolverhampton’s Southside area have taken a significant step forward with demolition and site clearage work underway at the former Rackhams department store building.
 
The Snow Hill landmark, which was latterly taken over by supermarket chain Netto, was vacated in 2012.
 
The site is expected to be cleared by April and it will then be incorporated into the main car park to the rear of the property, with the income generated used to support the demolition costs.
 
Demolition will make way for the marketing of the council’s landholdings at Southside later this year.
 
Councillor Peter Bilson, deputy leader and cabinet member for city assets, said: “It is great to see clearly visible changes now happening as we reshape the Southside area of the city.
 
“It forms a major part of the council’s multi-million pound regeneration plans and will present another exciting development opportunity for Wolverhampton.”
 
Prior to Christmas the council completed the demolition of derelict buildings on Cleveland Street, converting the land to provide additional car parking in the city centre and maximise income in the interim.
 
The council has recently bought land and property at 50/51 Snow Hill and 1-5 Bell Street to strengthen its land ownership in the area.
 
Also in the Southside area, the £4m expansion and redevelopment of Casino 36 is advancing, with the Temple Street venue expected to open later this year – and recruitment for 100 jobs already underway.