Approval for 'vibrant leisure hub' in city centre

The council said the plans would build on its transformation of Victoria Street which has been pedestrianised

A developer has been given planning approval to create "a vibrant leisure hub" centred on a new sports bar with 12 bowling lanes.

The backing would enable Catella APAM to complete about £500,000 of work on multiple units at the Mander shopping centre, said Wolverhampton City Council.

Superbowl UK has agreed a 15-year lease for the site which will include interactive darts, a soft play area and is expected to create 30 jobs.

The development is set to open in early 2025, bringing "an empty retail space back to life", the authority added.

“This is exactly the type of new development our extensive works on Victoria Street were designed to attract and it will be great to see works starting on site soon now that planning approval has been granted," said councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills.