City ticket sales boost
A brand new box office selling tickets for concerts and shows across the Midlands is being created in the heart of Wolverhampton, it was announced today.
Work is now under way to build the facility in the city on a prime site between Queen Square and the Mander Centre.
It will replace the Midland Box Office, which is currently housed in the Little Civic bar in North Street, and will sell seats for performances all over the region including the Civic Hall, NEC and NIA, JB's in Dudley and the V festival.
The box office will be accessed from Dudley Street and located on the site of the historic Woolpack Alley.
The troubled alley, previously a haven for anti-social behaviour, sparked uproar from historians after being shut last year by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling following a public inquiry.
Wolverhampton's leisure chief, Councillor John Reynolds, said the development was a great opportunity for music and arts fans to easily access the area's lively entertainments scene.
"It is good to see the city moving forward and really promoting the arts and entertainment," he added.
"We will soon be able to provide visitors to Wolverhampton with a fully comprehensive arts and entertainments information service, all from the central location of Queen Square."
The news is a major boost for Wolverhampton's thriving music scene. Top acts coming to the city this year include The Zutons and Brit supergroup Keane.
The box office is due to open early next year.
Council chiefs decided to close Woolpack Alley permanently amid soaring complaints from traders.
Dating back to the 18th century, the dingy thoroughfare had become a hotbed for crime and vandalism.
Two raids on one of the city's best-known shops, Kirk's Butchers, led to owners dubbing the alley as "a route for burglars".