Superdrug will become the first tenant to open its doors for business at Wolverhampton's city centre showpiece i10 building on Friday.

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The UK's second largest beauty and health retailer have moved into the ground floor after the multi million pound office and retail development was completed in December.

It is the company's second store in the city centre, creating 10 jobs and attracting further investment into the city, while its Mander Centre outlet also remains open for business.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "It is a great fillip for the city centre to see i10 opening its doors for business for the first time.

"The finished building is a real feather in the cap for Wolverhampton and forms part of the £868 million investment in city centre projects which are either on site or in the pipeline.

"We are delighted a brand like Superdrug has expanded its presence in the city at this showpiece venue and has created new jobs."

Samantha Hixon, Superdrug Store Manager, added: "We know students and Wolverhampton residents alike are keen to follow beauty trends so we think the new Superdrug store will fit perfectly in the community."

Greene King is set to open its new Hungry Horse family friendly pub restaurant - named the 'The Sunbeam' - at i10 on Wednesday 30 March.

i10 also provides the only top grade office accommodation in the city and is a key component in Wolverhampton's £120 million Interchange.

City of Wolverhampton Council is in advanced negotiations with a number of businesses for the further 3 ground floor retail units and the 3 floors of office space. The final retail unit will be marketed at a later stage.

As well as encouraging more investment and boosting prosperity in the city, i10 forms part of the gateway to the city for people arriving off the national rail network, by bus or Metro.

Wider development will include a new state of the art railway station and the Metro line extension, which will include a new stop at the station.

Planning permission has been granted for the refurbishment and extension of the railway station car park and the new bus station is already in use.

  • released: Wednesday 10 February, 2016