Search for architects to design city neighbourhood

An aerial view of the St George's site in Wolverhampton

A firm is being sought for the redesign of a five acre (two hectare) site in Wolverhampton.

It was hoped by the city council that the area, near St George's Church in the city centre, would become a mix of new homes, community facilities, business premises and public open spaces.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) has teamed up with the council and developers Capital&Centric to find an architects for the scheme.

The partnership said they would welcome design ideas from experts for the new neighbourhood before residents have their say.

The St George’s site will use the city's Grade II-listed church building, formerly home to a Sainsbury’s, as its centrepiece.

City of Wolverhampton Council leader Stephen Simkins said the idea had worked before.

A design competition resulted in the delivery of the city's i9 office building, currently occupied by the government, he said.

“We now want the St George’s scheme to become the design and quality benchmark for future developments in the city," Mr Simkins added.

"I expect to see a high standard of entries for this game-changing opportunity."

Mr Simkins explained the St George’s plan would provide a sustainable new district as part of the city's ambitious regeneration plans.

He added the scheme would generate new jobs, bring assets back into community use and deliver much-needed homes in the city centre.

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

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