Type=image;ImageID=6040;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=New pedestrian link from the High Street open space area;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=6041;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=New pedestrian link from the High Street open space area;TitleClass=strong;
Demolition of derelict buildings at the front of Bilston High Street is taking place now to enable new development and the creation of a pedestrian link from the town centre to the Bert Williams Leisure Centre. Land opposite the leisure centre will be developed to include food and drink outlets. Building work to create 500 new homes and open spaces on brownfield land to the south of the leisure centre and Black Country Route will begin in the spring. The scheme forms part of multi million pound regeneration of the City of Wolverhampton. A total of £7.5million is being jointly invested by the city council and the Homes and Communities Agency. This will be in addition to significant private investment.
The creation of the High Street pedestrian link will improve the town centre and provide direct and safe access through to Pinfold Street car park and onto the leisure centre and other new facilities. When completed, the new access link will be surrounded by a temporary landscaped open space just off the High Street. There will be the option to develop this area in the future. The city council has invested £2.5million into this part of the regeneration scheme. Demolition of numbers 8 to 20 High Street and work will be completed by the end of March.
Wolverhampton City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for economic regeneration and prosperity Peter Bilson said: "Bilston's regeneration will see extensive development and the creation of open space as its community grows. It forms part of the multi million pound wider regeneration of the whole of the City of Wolverhampton which is now gathering pace.
"This demonstrates our commitment to Bilston and ensures it will be a thriving part of our city as we move forward. This regeneration is happening now and brings confidence to the area which will in turn attract more investment.
"Removing the derelict buildings is another step forward for Bilston and will improve the vision of the town centre. The pedestrian link will better connect the town centre to the leisure centre and new commercial development. In the long term it will also provide an area for future potential regeneration and further enhance Bilston town centre."
Plans for the High Street link were adopted in 2010 and the buildings were compulsory purchased by the city council. The council is using a local contractor to carry out the work, further boosting the area's economy.
- released: Wednesday 21 January 2015