Plans to boost city and attract investors approved

City of Wolverhampton Council wants to attract new business to the area

A plan to increase jobs and attract new businesses into Wolverhampton has been given the green light by City of Wolverhampton Council.

The City Investment Plan has been drawn up with the aim of helping firms to grow and to bring new investors to the city.

Under the plan, the city would "work with partners" to give local workers the skills they needed to match job opportunities, and focus on sectors which were likely to see "explosive growth", primarily technology.

Following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening, councillors approved the proposals.

The plans see the City of Wolverhampton Council pledge to support business owners and help them understand their growth needs and to identify expansion opportunities.

There will also be a focus on the attraction of high-value investments that create jobs that pay above the average salary wherever possible and practical.

The local authority said in the proposals that it would create diverse and affordable homes, and invest in transport infrastructure across the city.

'Targeted approach'

Recent private investment projects include the new railway station as part of the £150m interchange transport hub, a new commercial district for business services in the city centre, the development of a learning quarter and the refurbishment of The Halls entertainment venue.

Other schemes to come include building more than 2,000 homes in the city centre as part of the Canalside South and City Centre West developments.

Councillor Chris Burden said: “The City Investment Plan will provide an intelligence driven, targeted approach to ensure resources are deployed effectively and efficiently to bring new investment to the city.

He added that the plan would help "maximise the city’s investment potential and provide a sustainable city with quality neighbourhoods and workplaces.”