Wolverhampton Civic Halls redevelopment moves a step closer
The much-anticipated redevelopment of Wolverhampton's Civic Halls has moved a step closer after a planning application was submitted by the city council.
The Civic and Wulfrun are set benefit from £10.4 million of investment, resulting in an increased capacity for each, as well as new bars and toilets.
The two venues will be able to cater for a combined total of 5,000 people once the work, set to start early next year and scheduled to be completed by mid-2017, is done.
Legendary bands and artists including Blur, Robert Plant, The Specials and Radiohead have performed at the Civic Hall in recent years, while the venue has hosted acts such as Oasis, AC/DC and The Who in the past.
Bosses have said they hope that increasing the size of the stages at both venues will enable them to accommodate bigger productions and tours which the venues cannot currently attract.
Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for city economy, said: "The refurbishment of these venues will open up further opportunities for hosting conferences and putting on bigger and more diverse shows, as well as diversifying into new areas, such as business conferencing.
"There is huge potential for attracting new audiences from across the UK to live events and music, festivals, the arts, culture and night life.
"The improved facilities will attract even more visitors to Wolverhampton city centre and the wider sub-region resulting in the creation of more jobs in the local economy."
International property and construction consultancy company, Gleeds, has been appointed to project manage the works on the Grade II-listed venues.
Under the plans, the Civic Hall will be given a second balcony – increasing capacity by 600, while the Wulfrun Hall will also get a balcony which will boost its capacity by 200.
Access arrangements for disabled visitors will also be upgraded as part of the revamp.
There will be a phased re-opening of the venues but they will still be open to accommodate the hugely popular Grand Slam of Darts in November 2016.
The refurbishment of the Civic and Wulfrun Halls will be funded by £6.2 million from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Deal and £4.2 million from Wolverhampton City Council.
