Workers this afternoon moved in to demolish Wolverhampton’s bus station ready for a £22.5 million transformation.

A digger was today tearing down shelters as the work kicked off a day ahead of schedule. The facility in Pipers Row has been closed since April ready for the re-build, which is part of a wider £176m interchange project to link the bus and train stations.

Wolverhampton City Councillor Paddy Bradley, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said today: “This is the start of the regeneration of our city as we know it.

“This will bring jobs, better transport links and money to Wolverhampton.

“It’s importance cannot be understated and to now actually be able to see the development finally starting is a real confidence boost for the city and for the people of Wolverhampton.

“And this is just the start. Stage two which will link the interchange to the train station is still very much something we are working to make happen. It’s an exciting time.”

Work had been due to start at the bus station in November last year, but there were legal delays over the transfer of property from transport authority Centro to Wolverhampton City Council.

Bus routes affected by the development are being extended into the city centre following protests from passengers over chaotic services. Commuters had complained several diverted lines had left them too far from the city centre.