'Wolverhampton is a city that delivers,' council leader Stephen Simkins has said as we take a look at the multi-million pound regeneration schemes changing lives and landscapes
‘Wolverhampton is a city moving forward at pace’ - that’s the message from the city council which is steering forward a raft of regeneration schemes that aim to deliver new homes, jobs and opportunities.
Ambitious projects including the City Learning Quarter and the Wolverhampton Canalside South and Smithgate developments are among schemes that will reshape the city centre.
Public realm improvements and the building of new council homes across various city sites are also rejuvenating Wolverhampton.
City Learning Quarter
One of the most anticipated developments has been the new state-of-the-art City Learning Quarter college campus which opened its doors to students in November, marking a new era for educational provision in Wolverhampton with the aim of enhancing skills and employment outcomes for residents.
The new city centre campus, plus ongoing improvements to the neighbouring Adult Education Wolverhampton and Central Library facilities, form the £61million second phase of the council’s City Learning Quarter masterplan.
Phase one – a new £8.1 million Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the college’s Wellington Road campus – opened to students in September 2024.
The City Learning Quarter city centre proposals were initially supported by investment from the council with a further £49 million coming through UK Government funding, plus additional government grants and contributions from the college and council.
The college forecasts that over a 10-year period approximately 45,000 people will benefit from learning at the City Learning Quarter and around 7,500 apprenticeships will be started.
Its central location and close proximity to the new £150 million transport interchange make it easily accessible. It also boasts environmental benefits in line with council’s climate emergency agenda.
The college’s 1960s Paget Road site, which is now closed, has been identified as land to build much-needed housing.
Smithgate
Wolverhampton’s largest regeneration scheme - the Smithgate development - reached a significant milestone in December 2025.
Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet approved the land deal that will enable developer ECF - a partnership between L&G, Homes England, and Muse - to begin main works on phase one of Smithgate early this year.
The first phase, known as Bicycle Works, will feature 331 new homes along with new retail opportunities and public spaces on vacant land off Peel Street, overlooking Market Square.
It will also deliver economic benefits, including jobs and skills opportunities and increased city centre footfall, to support and attract new businesses.
Overall the completed Smithgate development will include up to 1,000 new homes on 12 acres of land linking School Street and Darlington Street to the area around Market Square, also creating 20,000 square feet of retail, leisure and commercial space.
Canalside South
Wavensmere Homes has marked a major milestone as development gathers pace on its £150 million Wolverhampton Canalside South housing scheme.
