Public gets say on city redevelopment

People in Wolverhampton will get a chance to see plans for a city centre regeneration scheme.

Developers behind the plans for the St George's area will hold a public consultation meeting on Thursday 16 July.

City of Wolverhampton Council said the event would give residents, businesses and community groups "a first chance to look at the emerging vision" and help shape it.

Martin Crews, from developers Capital&Centric, said: "St George's has been sitting empty for too long and we've got a real opportunity to create something special here, but the best ideas often come from the people who know the area best."

The event will take place at Lupo Lounge between 15:00 and 19:00 BST.

The Grade II listed St George's church will remain at the heart of the site, but the surrounding area, including the old Sainsbury's supermarket, will be redeveloped into 370 homes, a food hall, public spaces and workplaces.

The council said the scheme would create "somewhere that's buzzing from morning coffee through to evening drinks".

The consultation on the scheme closes on 3 August, with a formal planning application expected to be submitted "at the end of the year".

Council leader Stephen Simkins said: "This is a chance to deliver much-needed homes alongside events and public spaces, shops and amenities, creating opportunities for our communities and enhancing lives at the heart of the city."

Adding that the developers had an excellent track record in delivering regeneration schemes, he expected the scheme to create a "transformational neighbourhood in our city centre".

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