New sites considered for entertainment venue

Plans for the scheme were submitted in January

New sites are being considered for a multimillion-pound food, entertainment and events venue in Wolverhampton, the city council has said.

The development was planned for a cleared site between Cleveland Street and Bell Street and proposals were submitted in January.

But the authority said since then, "new opportunities" for its location had been presented which were being looked at.

The project is to be funded through a combination of government and council investment, and marks the next phase of a £22m investment in the city centre.

Derelict shops in Cleveland Street were demolished last year with the venue planned for the cleared site and car park sitting between Cleveland Street and Bell Street.

The working title for the venue is Bell Works, acknowledging the Victorian ironmonger and manufacturer that existed in that area of the city centre in Wolverhampton's industrial past.

The venue will have individual food and drink vendors under one roof in the city

City of Wolverhampton Council said the timeline of the scheme may be affected as new sites were considered.

“Since submitting the planning application for the Bell Street site, new opportunities for the location of this scheme have been presented to the council by city partners that will equally benefit businesses in this part of the city centre," a spokesperson said.

“We are therefore considering these options, which may or may not impact on our original timeline. As with any significant investment, it is important that we explore all options to ensure we get the best outcome for our city.”