City of Wolverhampton Council has submitted a planning application to create a multi-million-pound food and entertainment venue in the west of the city.
The application was submitted by the local authority following the demolition of derelict shops on Cleveland Street last year. It is hoped the new development will attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city centre every year.
As it stands, the working title for the new project is Bell Works, which provides a nod to the Victorian ironmonger and manufacturer that existed in the area of the city centre where the development will be built.
Once built, ‘Bell Works’, which is due to be funded through a combination of the government’s Future High Streets Fund and council investment, is set to provide an entertainment venue that offers individual food and drink vendors which will not only attract people to the venue but help support local businesses.
‘The submission of the planning application is a major milestone in bringing forward an exciting new development that everyone can enjoy,’ Bhypinder Gakhal, council cabinet member for visitor city said. ‘Subject to approval, we will deliver modern food, beverage and entertainment city centre facility that will boost footfall and create invaluable employment and business opportunities.’
Cllr Gakhal said: ‘These type of spaces are hugely popular in other areas of the country such as Newcastle, London and Sheffield and will be a superb addition complementing Wolverhampton’s existing leisure, events, and evening economy.’
The venue is the next phase of a £22m package of investment in the west of the city centre and follows extensive public realm improvement works to the Victoria Street and North Street areas.
Images: City of Wolverhampton Council and Jarritos Mexican Soda
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