City centre transformation plan moves forward

City of Wolverhampton Council said the project would enhance Queen Square as a "high-quality" events area

A major £19m project to transform bus, bicycle and pedestrian routes in Wolverhampton city centre has taken a step forward.

Members of the West Midlands Combined Authority's investment board agreed the full business case for the Wolverhampton City Centre Movement – bus, cycle and walk package on Monday.

The scheme will enhance Queen Square as a "high-quality" events area and create a two-way cycle route, alongside as one-way access for buses and taxis and wider footpaths.

City of Wolverhampton Council said the project would play a key part in attracting investment to the area.

The project is the third and final part of the city centre public realm improvements programme in Wolverhampton.

The latest phase, which will also concentrate on the ring road and areas including Darlington Street and Lichfield Street, follows completed schemes in Victoria Street and the Civic Halls areas.

'Noticeable improved changes'

Following the board's approval of the business case, funding of £13.5m will be provided for the scheme.

The council has already secured £2.97m from the government's Towns Fund and £2.6m from its Active Travel Fund, subject to grant agreement, to complete the two-year project.

Speaking of the works on Victoria Street, councillor Chris Burden said businesses in the area had reported a "really beneficial impact".

"These [schemes] make noticeable improved changes and if you look where it's going to be impactful in Wolverhampton, this is really a big stretch of the main drag of the city centre," he said.

"It's going to feel a lot more impactful simply because it is one continuous road being improved rather than side streets."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.