£35 million Mander Centre facelift underway
It's the Mander Centre – but not as we know it.
Work is under way on a £35 million revamp of the landmark Wolverhampton shopping centre, which will completely overhaul the city centre site.
And the new boss of the centre says it will be transformed into the shopping experience the city deserves.
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The first refurbishments are under way at the centre, which will be anchored by a 90,000 sq ft Debenhams and is set to be completed in October 2017.
Robert Gough, the shopping centre's new commercial retail manager, has held meetings with the city's major stakeholders since taking up his post just before Christmas.
A former senior boss at Debenhams, he says the money invested will mean Wolverhampton will be able to compete with major retail centres across the UK.
Talking to the Express & Star today, he said: "First and foremost I want to do something different. I've been here eight weeks and met with the asset owners and key consultants and I want to make a mark that's lasting."
The 39-year-old retail chief takes on the challenge at a critical time in retail, with customers moving away from more traditional forms of shopping in favour of purchasing online.
But he says other schemes going on around the city, including the £900,000 high street facelift and the Wolves in Wolves project, give Wolverhampton a commercial edge. And he says the city's 'endearing' residents give it an advantage over its bigger city rival Birmingham.
He said: "Birmingham does not have the Black Country charm. I've only been here a short while, but I find the people endearing.
"Since I've been here, I've found it an engaging place."
