Setbacks hit start of Summer Row

Building work on the £300 million shopping complex planned to transform Wolverhampton city centre may not start until next year, regeneration chiefs admitted today.

See also: Video: blueprint for future of Wolverhampton

Developers had hoped the creation of Summer Row would begin this summer but a string of setbacks has delayed the plans further.

Belfast-based Multi Development is still trying to find another big name tenant as well as department store Debenhams.

And they have been hampered by an aborted legal challenge by shopkeepers who feared the 600,000 sq ft centre would force them out of business.

It would mean the centre, to be bordered by Cleveland Street, Temple Street and Victoria Street, would not open until spring 2011 instead of 2010.

Councillor Peter Bilson, who sits on the steering group for the centre, said: "There are a number of practical issues following the public inquiry.

"We are looking to relocate those who are affected by the CPO and we are looking for another anchor tenant. Discussions are going on as we speak.

"There has been a little expected slippage but we are still within expectations.

"We have been talking about a 2011 opening for some time now."

The deputy leader of the city's Labour group and former deputy leader of Wolverhampton City Council said there was "no risk" to the project.

"We eagerly look forward to the start of work", he said.

London and Cambridge Properties, the leaseholder of the Wulfrun Centre, forced the project to be halted by the high courts in April when it objected to a compulsory purchase order made to move up to 200 businesses.

It later withdrew its objections to the plans for 85 new shops anchored with bars, restaurants and a 10-screen cinema. There will be 760 parking spaces and 150 flats as part of the same project.