Sainsbury's site could be home of new youth centre

Multi-million pound plans for a youth centre in Wolverhampton today took a step forward – as council bosses revealed they were looking at the city's Sainsbury's store building as a possible location.

The Labour cabinet of Wolverhampton City Council is considering taking on the supermarket in George's Parade when the store giant moves to a new home in Raglan Street. Councillor Elias Mattu said they are also considering the area left blighted by the failed £300 million Summer Row shopping centre.

The proposal comes despite a major review of youth services in the city as the council is trying to cut £21m off its budget for the next year.

Wolves owner Steve Morgan, who is backing the scheme, has accompanied executives and senior councillors to look around a £6m youth club in Bolton to get an idea of what could be included in Wolverhampton.

The club offers sports and arts activities seven days a week while there is also advice on careers, mentoring and volunteering.

Councillor Mattu, who is in charge of youth services at the council, said: "It is still in the early stages but we are very excited about this. There are several locations we are examining, mainly in the southern part of the city centre.

"We are also looking at the old Sainsbury's site. We hope to get assistance on funding."

The city council is planning to invest £14m in the city centre over the next four years and has a £13.4m plan to regenerate the former Summer Row area, which it has rebranded Southside. It wants to buy up derelict buildings and is offering grants to some traders to relocate.

Other traders in areas like Worcester Street are being offered support to stay put and improve their buildings and businesses with the hope of reviving trade in that end of the city centre.

Hundreds of businesses were left in limbo when developers behind the Summer Row shopping centre lost half their funding in 2008. The project was finally scrapped in January 2011.