Brilliant or laughable? What locals think of new plan for Wolverhampton ‘box space’ entertainment venue

Locals have given their views on the new preferred location for Wolverhampton’s long-awaited ‘box space’ - and it’s a mixed bag.

St Peter’s car park, off Wulfruna Street, is earmarked for the development in a new report to the council’s cabinet.

It comes after previous schemes for Bell Street, and later the city’s former market square, failed to materialise.

Box spaces, which often use shipping-style containers to house pop-up food and drink sellers, are becoming increasingly popular in town and city centres.

But the report, by director of city economy Ian Fegan, admitted there had been little interest from developers wishing to take on the project following a consultation in June this year.

It proposed offering the site on the open market, with a 25-year lease and the offer of a £5.5 million up-front grant from the council for its construction.

Mr Fegan said St Peter’s car park was chosen for its proximity to Molineux, Wolverhampton University and the Civic Hall.

He said the 24-hour car park at the Civic Centre and the location inside the ring road were also important factors in the decision.

Locals have shared their opinions about the new preferred location on social media.

Some reacted positively. One said: “Brilliant idea, I’ve been to a few of these Box Space hubs in other UK cities and they all work very well, it’s good to see the council trying something new to boost our early evening and night time economy.”

Another commented: “Good idea.”

However, others were not as convinced.

One person wrote: “Not another new space that will attract loads of people.

“That was the plan for the space at the junctions of Victoria, Skinner and Bell street. The reason why it was pedestrianised mean it was going to be a hub for the communities to enjoy food, drink, music, arts and culture. Just actually stick to one thing and see it through.”

Another said: “Laughable. What alternatives are in place for local & visitor parking?”

A third commented: “We don't need any more food places.

“What about giving Wolverhampton a Marks & Spencer, that would definitely bring more people back to Wolverhampton. It’s a ghost town at the moment.”

Another said: “Please, no more shipping containers! Make it look attractive and worthy of the city.”

Another person commented: “That's a very strange choice of location. I understand the desire to increase footfall in a quiet part of town but why there of all places?

“There is nothing nearby unless you are walking past. Would it not be better to try to regenerate a quieter part of the centre?

“I actually think the previous site near Victoria street would have been a better choice given that it's pedestrianisation serves absolutely no purpose.”

The report will be considered at a meeting of the cabinet on Wednesday next week.