www.wolverhamptoncity.co.uk

Wolverhampton: the Millennium City continues to thrive

Wolverhampton is a vibrant, thriving and enjoyable city at the heart of the country, with a relaxed atmosphere and a buzzing nightlife. It's close to Birmingham and the major transport networks, yet enjoys an enviable position adjacent to the stunning countryside of Staffordshire and Shropshire.

Wolverhampton is the first city of the Black Country, having cemented its place in the hearts of Midlanders as a great place to be. It's a natural home for industry, commerce and culture, and is a vibrant, modern city with bold ambitions to match. The city offers an excellent quality of life, with a fine array of parks, sport, shopping, entertainment and culture.

Buoyed by its elevation to city status in 2001, Wolverhampton is enjoying record levels of investment which recently topped £2 billion. The city's reputation improved significantly after several major regeneration projects began to change the face of the city. These included the Market Square Development, Learning Quarter and a £50 million building programme for the City's excellent university.

Despite its many technological achievements, the city is founded not only on a strong industrial heritage, but also on its cosmopolitan culture. The city has one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the UK, the skills and creativity of which has been fundamental to the city's success.

Now Wolverhampton's fast-growing reputation as a key Midlands shopping and lifestyle destination is set for another boost with the forthcoming retail and residential development Summer Row. The £265 million scheme is set to regenerate 8 acres of the city centre, creating a stylish and modern mixed-use retail led scheme. The project includes a flagship department store for Debenhams along with 80 other retail units. The development also includes cafes, restaurants, 140 high quality apartments and an 800 space underground car park. The setting will be modern, bright and open, with relaxing squares and fountains.

The scheme is currently at CPO stage after planning permission was granted in July. Belfast-based Multi Development UK Ltd, (formerly AM Development) are the City Council's development partners for the new landmark. Multi is an international development corporation which has completed impressive developments across Europe including the award winning Beursplein in Rotterdam and the Almada Forum in Portugal. That reputation is set to extend to Wolverhampton.

The pedestrianised areas of the city centre are also undergoing a £4 million refurbishment of their own. This will create a network of high quality public squares across the city centre, providing an open and friendly environment for residents, shoppers and visitors to enjoy. High quality street furniture, water features, street TV and an iconic Beacon of Light in Queen Square will complete this revitalisation.

Wolverhampton still has the capacity to absorb more commercial and industrial investment. Opportunities include the 90 hectare i54 site, set to provide over 6000 high technology jobs.

Work is underway on Wolverhampton's Transport Interchange, a £40 million project to integrate local road, rail bus and Metro transport into a single hub. Set for completion in 2009, the project is set to revolutionise transport in and out of the city. Based around an impressive new rail station, the interchange will enable seamless travel in, out and through the city, whilst creating a new gateway to the city on the West Coast Main Line.

The Interchange project is a vital factor in the continuing regeneration and economic vitality of the Canalside Quarter. This area includes Southbank, a recently completed housing development consisting of over 200 stylish and high quality apartments constructed around a refurbished 18th century flour mill. Work is also underway on the nearby historic low-level station site. This previously derelict area is being transformed to include a hotel, restaurant and car showroom as well as major residential development.

For further information about regeneration opportunities in Wolverhampton, contact Jayne Hettle, Head of Regeneration Services, Wolverhampton City Council.

Tel: 01902 554312
e-mail: jayne.hettle@wolverhampton.gov.uk
Web: www.wolverhamptoncity.co.uk

Click here to obtain a copy of INWARD INVESTMENT