Planning chiefs in Wolverhampton have given the green light for a multi million pound transformation of a city centre shopping centre.

The Mander Centre will undergo a major refurbishment aimed at enhancing the retail offer and increasing footfall to the city centre.

Wolverhampton City Council's Planning Committee yesterday (Tuesday 17 June) approved the application from Mander Investments Ltd.

Work will see the demolition of the south western corner of the centre fronting Bell Street and replaced by a new 8,360 metre square department store which will house Debenhams.

Further work will see a number of smaller units being replaced by larger ones, the construction of a new retail kiosk fronting Woolpack Alley and the refurbishment of the existing mall.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: "This is a hugely significant and extremely exciting development for our city centre.

"The transformation of the Mander Centre will provide a huge boost to Wolverhampton's retail offer and greatly support efforts to attract major national stores to the city.

"Not only will it attract extra footfall to a greatly enhanced centre, it will also help increase trade for businesses in the surrounding area.

"We are committed to regenerating Wolverhampton, increasing prosperity and creating opportunities for all and Mander's plans certainly support that."

  • released: Wednesday 18 June, 2014