Wolverhampton’s ‘bold’ new college hub set to welcome 2,000 students

City councillors hailed a “transformative moment” for Wolverhampton, as keys to the final parts of the city’s flagship new educational campus were handed over this week.

Contractor McLaughlin & Harvey says work on the ground floor of a new four-storey Wolverhampton College building on Old Hall Street and St George’s Parade has now been completed – with students set to move in in November.

The building is the centrepiece of City of Wolverhampton Council’s £61 million City Learning Quarter masterplan, and will provide training facilities and learning technology for around 2,000 students and nearly 200 staff.

The college took possession of the first, second and third floors and ground floor hair and beauty salon last month, and will now complete a move away from its 1960’s era building in Paget Road, which the council plans to redevelop for housing.

The 25-acre site is currently under offer, having been marketed with agents Bruton Knowles.

“We have now officially completed the handover of Wolverhampton Council’s new City Learning Quarter,” said Martin Keys, operational director at McLaughlin & Harvey.

“The scale and quality of this project is a clear demonstration of McLaughlin & Harvey’s operational excellence. This new campus is a vital asset for the local area, ready to immediately unlock significant opportunity and enhance future potential for the community it serves.”

Phase one of the City Learning Quarter masterplan – a new £8.1 million Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the college’s Wellington Road campus – opened to students in September 2024.

The council says the new development marks a transformative moment for education and opportunity in the city.

“As a council we set out a bold vision to create a state-of-the-art City Learning Quarter at the heart of our city – and through strong partnership working we have delivered this major regeneration scheme on time and on budget,” said Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills.

“This new facility will drive education and skills in the city and unlock opportunities for the people of Wolverhampton and beyond and I cannot wait to see the first students walk through the doors in less than a fortnight.

“It will also act as a focal point in the city centre, boosting footfall by 4,500 a week to support neighbouring businesses, especially with its excellent connectivity to rail, bus, tram and cycle routes.”