Mayor backs plans to build hundreds of new homes in heart of Wolverhampton
Plans to build hundreds of new homes in the heart of Wolverhampton are being backed by mayor Richard Parker and City of Wolverhampton Council.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which is chaired by the mayor, has agreed in principle to make a multi-million-pound investment into Smithgate – Wolverhampton’s largest regeneration opportunity – around Market Square.
Detailed discussions will now take place between the WMCA and the developer of the scheme ECF – a partnership between L&G, Homes England, and Muse – to finalise the investment deal.
Building more homes on derelict industrial and brownfield land, is a cornerstone of the Mayor’s recently launched Growth Plan to drive a new era of prosperity in all parts of the region.
The Plan sets out a roadmap for getting tens of thousands of residents into work, the creation of 100,000 good jobs in fast-growing industries, improving public transport and building 120,000 homes.
Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This scheme will be a catalyst for growth in Wolverhampton, providing hundreds of badly needed homes.
“People living in these new homes can look forward to having restaurants, shops and leisure facilities right on their doorstep, helping to breathe new life and vibrancy into this part of the city centre.
“At a time when too many families are waiting too long for a decent place to call home it is regeneration schemes like this one that will be a cornerstone of my Growth Plan to reignite our regional economy, raise living standards and provide the housing we need.”
The scheme is being developed in partnership with City of Wolverhampton Council as part of its city centre transformation.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council leader, said: “This investment is a major shot in the arm for our plans to transform Wolverhampton city centre.
“We have worked hard with our chosen developer to bring forward ambitious plans that will regenerate this key brownfield site and redefine urban living in our city.
“Once the investment deal is finalised it will enable activity to start on site for the delivery of hundreds of new homes for local people – creating jobs, reshaping our city centre and boosting businesses.”
The Smithgate investment will kickstart the first phase of the scheme, known as Bicycle Works, which will feature 331 new homes along with new retail opportunities and public spaces overlooking Market Square.
Once all phases are completed, Smithgate will cover 12 acres of land linking School Street and Darlington Street to the area around Market Square. It will include up to 1,000 homes and 20,000 square feet of retail, leisure and commercial space. The scheme is being built by national placemaker ECF.
It is just one of the latest schemes to be backed by the mayor in Wolverhampton.
In February the Mayor announced a £20m investment into the Canalside South regeneration scheme – a £150m redevelopment across the former British Steel and Crane Foundry sites, which have lain derelict for 15 years.
That scheme, on the edge of the city centre, will provide more than 500 new homes including 109 affordable properties.