Plans unveiled for £150m canalside redevelopment

The plans could also see disused railway arches turned into lettable commerical space

More than 500 new homes and range of commercial facilities are being proposed under plans for a new £150m canalside residential development.

Developer Wavensmere Homes has unveiled details and computer-generated images of the Canalside South Regeneration Scheme in Wolverhampton.

The 17-acre waterfront development, on a former industrial site, is expected to create more than 100 jobs during construction.

A public consultation on the plans has been launched before a formal planning application is submitted to the City of Wolverhampton Council.

Stephen Simkins, city council leader, said the redevelopment would enable residents to benefit from "superb connectivity, amenities, and health and wellbeing opportunities".

The development opportunity was on "one of the most historic stretches of canal in the country," he added.

Developers want to build more than 380 two- and three-bedroom townhouses at the site

Wavensmere Homes wants to build more than 380 two- and three-bedroom townhouses, and 140 one- and two-bedroom apartments.

The plans also include the redevelopment of disused railway arches on the site into commercial space.

James Dickens, managing director, said the site would become a "landmark development that the whole region can be immensely proud of".

"We are keen to receive comments and input from local people about our plans to reanimate this strategic stretch of canalside land," he said.

Developers also propose installing electric-only heating systems, as well as solar panels and electric vehicle charging.

The site, close to the city centre, is made up of the former Crane Foundry site, owned by the Canal & River Trust, and the council-owned former British Steel site.

Andrew Chandler, development manager at the trust, said: "The proposed layout will transform this derelict brownfield land, connecting more people to the canals and to its rich biodiversity.

“Canalside South has the potential to influence the quality of future development around our canals "

The deadline to submit comments on the public consultation website is 28 June.