UK city set for huge transformation thanks to incredible £19m revamp

A new regeneration scheme is set to begin in Wolverhampton as the council plans a £19 million investment into its redevelopment into a more accessible and “healthy” urban area.

The scheme, which centres around Lichfield Street, Queen Square and Darlington Street, will deliver wider footpaths, improved bus stops and new cycle and taxi routes.

It was estimated to cost the City of Wolverhampton Council around £12.5 million when first proposed in 2022 but after an expansion of its reach, it now totals £19 million.

Officials are hoping the transformation will boost the city’s tourism profile as well as making life easier for locals through boosted public transport including new buses to and from the Grand Theatre, a staple of Wolverhampton’s cultural scene.

It will also transform Queen Square into a refurbished “high quality” events area and install raised kerbs, new lighting and relocated bus stops in the district.

“The 19 million transformation scheme follows extensive consultation with businesses, the public and key stakeholders,” the council told the BBC.

“It will be fully funded by central government thanks to successful bids for regeneration and transport infrastructure projects such as this.

“The completed scheme will deliver high-quality improvements to the city centre, with the aim to stimulate more visitors and encourage healthy city living lifestyles.”

The West Midlands Combined Authority’s Investment Board is expected to sign off on the business case for the plans on Monday, December 9.

It follows other central government-funded improvement schemes in the city, including on Victoria Street and the Civic Halls areas, and is expected to take place over two years if approved on Monday.

Wolverhampton recorded a 12.8% rise in tourism in 2023, with revenue generated from over 10 million visitors rising to £458 million. The boost in West Midlands footfall has been attributed to the council’s commitment to investing in economic infrastructure projects.

Cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, Chris Burden said: “Giving visitors reasons to stay longer and support local businesses is a priority for the council, backed by our exciting and broad culture and events programme.

“The council’s city centre transformation works are creating better public spaces that will attract more visitors which is great news for high street businesses. These are exciting times for the city.”