Latest phase of £19m city works completed

Major improvements to Wolverhampton’s Darlington Street have been signed off in time for the busy festive season, the city council has confirmed.

Excavation work between Chapel Ash Island and Red Lion Street was due to last around six months, but was set back by around four months following issues with a water main under the road, which was discovered to be in “poor condition” during excavations.

The works form the final stages of a government-funded scheme of improvements to the city centre, which has seen paving, street furniture and active travel cycle lanes installed, with the next phase of improvement work due to start in Queen Square early next year.

City of Wolverhampton Council says the overall programme remains on track to be completed in 2027, with further improvements to pavements and street lighting planned alongside “vibrant” public events space in Queen Square, with improved access for buses, cycles and taxis also scheduled.

Funding for the scheme was pulled from a £13.5m City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund, with a further £3m from the government-backed Towns Fund and £2.6m from the Active Travel Fund.

Civil engineering contractor Taylor Woodrow was appointed to carry out the works at the start of the year.

“The completed works on lower Darlington Street have been done to the highest standards and really lift the look and appeal of the area, supporting businesses, creating a much improved shopping environment for visitors and boosting active travel,” said Councillor Chris Burden, the council’s cabinet member for city development.

“After overcoming the delay caused by Severn Trent Water in dealing with a water main in very poor condition, we have ensured the road is open in time for the busy Christmas period – and all the wonderful events and activities that brings to our city centre to boost our local economy.

“The overall city centre improvement scheme will complement other transformational development schemes already underway or in the pipeline in the city centre, including the £150 million Interchange and commercial district, and thousands of new homes coming at Smithgate and Canalside – all helping to create hundreds of new jobs and further investment opportunities.”