Next phase of city centre revamp to get under way

Plans to upgrade some of Wolverhampton’s tired city-centre streets will continue next month, as work begins on the next stage of a £19m programme of improvements.

City of Wolverhampton Council says improvements to upper Darlington Street will begin on 9 February, with work to improve public spaces and street scene between the Waterloo Road and North Street junctions set to follow the completion of the first phase of works in November.

The authority says the overall scheme remains on track to be completed in mid-2027, and will deliver high-quality improvements such as wider, brighter, safer streets; vibrant public events spaces; more trees, greenery and seating; and easy access for buses, cycles and taxis.

Councillor Chris Burden, the council’s cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, said he hoped the project would boost the city’s visitor economy and act as a catalyst for further investment in the city centre.

“These works will ultimately enable people to better enjoy our city centre from the moment they arrive and are the next step in our transformation plans that have already seen improvements in lower Darlington Street, North Street and Victoria Street deliver positive outcomes for businesses, residents and visitors,” he said.

“Creating enhanced walking, cycling and dwell space, as well as infrastructure for events and attractions, and a better environment for city centre living is helping to boost the local economy.

“The works will also 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.

“In the meantime, I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while these critical works are carried out.”