Wolverhampton wolf statue trail put on hold

The Wolves In Wolves sculpture project was due to have been unveiled this summer, but bosses have now revealed the initiative has been put back to May 2017.

The latest setback follows news in October the scheme was being scaled down in number from up to 40 of the 6ft sculptures to between 15 and 20 after costs spiralled.

But lead exhibition organiser Dr Paul Darke said he was not disappointed. "The main thing is to make sure the project is done properly – the timing is not key," he said.

The Wolves-themed installations have been inspired by the bears of Berlin and superlambananas in Liverpool, while neighbouring Birmingham hosted a successful Big Hoot owl trail.

It is hoped the project could bring in £7 million and 100,000 tourists to the city.

The delay has been caused by the combination of a £900,000 overhaul of the city centre announced earlier this month and the £35m Mander Centre transformation taking place.

The city centre facelift will see the high street shopping area and surrounding roads spruced up. Dr Darke said it was hoped to schedule the launch of the project with the opening of the new Debenhams in the Mander Centre.

He also said One Direction's Liam Payne had been approached to decorate one of the wolves.

"Talks are ongoing, but the signs are positive," he said.

The plans, announced in 2014, have been backed by presenter Suzi Perry and actress Frances Barber, who both come from the area, and it is hoped other Wolverhampton celebrities will follow suit by putting their names or designs to the colourful models.

The project has been reduced in size due to price after the initial £50,000 costing soon doubled to £100,000.

Dr Darke said: "The core money is in place and the delay gives us time to find the rest of the funding."

Planned spots for the sculptures include the art gallery, Molineux and the Express & Star.

Businesses wishing to contribute should contact 01902 762636.