Development’s first phase will deliver 331 build-to-rent and affordable homes
English Cities Fund (ECF) and Wolverhampton council have got the go-ahead for a 1,000-home city centre scheme.
Detailed plans by ECF - a joint venture between Muse, Homes England and Legal and General - and the council for the scheme’s first phase were approved yesterday along with an outline application for the wider masterplan.
Formerly City Centre West, the neighbourhood will be renamed Smithgate following the decision as a nod to the city’s historic metalworks.
The development’s first phase will include 331 build-to-rent (BTR) and affordable homes across three six-storey residential apartment blocks, along with retail facilities and public spaces. Work could commence later this year subject to funding agreements.
The wider Smithgate masterplan, designed by Birmingham-based architect Howells, aims to deliver up to 1,070 new homes, as well as 20,000 sq ft commercial space, green spaces and pedestrian and cycle-focused streets. Market Square will also be improved.
Smithgate has been identified by the council as a strategic brownfield site and features in the local authority’s Investment Prospectus and the city centre’s local action plan.
Chris Burden, the council’s cabinet member for city development, jobs, and skills said: “Smithgate will put people at the heart of the city centre with new homes, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
>>See also: Deal signed to develop 1,000-home Bradford neighbourhood
“It will drive economic growth which will benefit all our communities, help meet our significant housing needs and create a new place for people to visit and spend time.
“Now planning approval is in place we will continue to support ECF in securing the external funding needed to enable delivery of this transformational scheme.
“The new brand identity for Smithgate celebrates the heritage of the place through bold industrial inspired typography and textured images and graphics which add a grit and hand-built quality. The new brand will start to be rolled out immediately.”
WSP, engineering consultancy RPS and cost consultancy Core Five are also on the project team.
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