Wolverhampton reveals Westside shortlist down to two names

THE shortlist of firms bidding to develop Wolverhampton’s prestigious Westside redevelopment has been whittled down to two names.

The city council made the announcement at the MIPIM exhibition in Cannes, although it did not say who the two firms were.

A list of 11 of some of the UK’s leading developers and investors was initially reduced to five before the final pair was selected.
 
They will now vie to earn a six-month exclusivity period on Westside – during which they must further develop their proposal for the multi-million development in order to meet the council’s regeneration aspirations for the site.
 
The chosen developer will be announced next month.  
 
Cllr John Reynolds, cabinet member for City Economy, said: “The quality of submissions from developers and investors has been extremely high.
 
“The final two in the race to become the preferred developer have produced outstanding proposals befitting our expectations of a regenerated Wolverhampton.
 
“It is going to be a tough decision but we know whichever option we choose will put us on the right track for an exciting leisure-led, mixed use development on Westside.”
 
The 6.4 acre site comprises three adjacent parcels of land in the freehold ownership of the council.
 
It represents one of the most significant regeneration opportunities at the heart of the city centre.
 
Situated opposite the new Sainsbury’s supermarket on St Mark’s ring road, the Westside site includes the Fold Street, Peel Street and School Street car parks.