Wolverhampton plans for new food and entertainment venue

Plans have been submitted for a new multimillion-pound food and entertainment venue in Wolverhampton.

The council claims the venue will attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city centre every year.

Funded through a combination of government and council investment, the venue marks the next phase of a £22m investment in the city centre.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal said the venue would create “invaluable” employment and business opportunities.

The proposals follow the demolition of derelict shops in Cleveland Street in 2023, with the venue planned for the cleared site and cark park sitting between Cleveland Street and Bell Street.

It will also use land from the proposed demolition of the vacant Neville Garratt Centre.

The working title for the venue is Bell Works, providing a nod to the Victorian ironmonger and manufacturer that existed in this area of the city centre in Wolverhampton’s industrial past.

The development, which the council said would provide “new and improved” public car parking, has received funding from the government’s Future High Streets Fund.

It follows extensive improvement works to the Victoria Street and North Street areas of the city.

City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member Bhupinder Gakhal said: “The submission of the planning application is a major milestone in bringing forward an exciting new development that everyone can enjoy.

“Subject to approval, we will deliver a modern food, beverage and entertainment city centre facility that will boost footfall and create invaluable employment and business opportunities.

“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.”