Wolverhampton changes tack on box market plans
A car park in Wolverhampton’s civic quarter has been named as the location for the city’s long-awaited food and drink destination, ahead of a fresh push for a commercial partner.
City of Wolverhampton Council says the box space, a food and beverage-led market similar to shipping container-style schemes elsewhere in the country, would create a “bold, modern space where residents, students and visitors can eat, drink, meet friends and enjoy a buzzing atmosphere”.
In July this year, the authority started its search a development partner to design, build and operate the scheme at an unnamed location in the city centre, which it said could bring in up to half-a-million visitors every year.
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But a report due to go before cabinet next week said the response to a pre-market engagement exercise carried out during the summer had been “limited”, with only one response meeting the council’s requirements for a turnkey project.
Now, the authority says it plans to try a different approach, offering St Peters on a 25-year lease deal alongside a £5.5m grant to develop the site.
City of Wolverhampton says a leasehold arrangement would allow the marked to be built more quickly, and allow greater flexibility on commercial terms.
The move could provide a route forward for the project, which had first been proposed in 2021 following a £15.7m government grant, originally earmarked for a site between Bell Street and Cleveland Street.
The council says the St Peters site was chosen due to its close proximity to several “high footfall generators” such as The Halls, Molineux Stadium and the University of Wolverhampton .
“We’ve wanted to bring a box space to Wolverhampton for a while, and the new preferred route to market with an identified location will speed up the process and enable us to secure a strong development partner,” said Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader and Cabinet Member for City Economy.
“This is a chance to create something really special – somewhere that feels authentically ‘Wolves’, gives people more reasons to spend time in the city centre, and attracts visitors from across the region.
“Alongside major investment like the £83million Smithgate development, the transformation of The Halls and huge upgrades to public spaces, safety and lighting, this new venue will help make our city centre an exciting, vibrant place day and night.”
The city council’s cabinet will discuss a recommendation to move forward with a leasehold deal for St Peters on Wednesday, 18 November.
