'Dad would have been thrilled': Permanent tribute to Wolverhampton political leader and youth champion unveiled at city college
A tribute to a political leader and youth champion has been unveiled on the side of the new city centre college campus he helped to create.
The permanent tribute to the late Councillor Ian Brookfield, former Leader of Wolverhampton Council, was unveiled outside Wolverhampton College’s new City Learning Quarter campus, honouring his commitment to the city’s young people.
Senior figures from Wolverhampton Council joined the Brookfield family and college principal and chief executive Louise Fall on Thursday (December 11) to mark the occasion at the new city centre campus.
The event saw the official unveiling of the commemorative plaque located outside the main building, which marks the dedication of the college’s new CitySixth study space, a specialised area for A-level students, to the memory of the former council leader.
The tribute complements a similar plaque unveiled at the Civic Hall last year, further celebrating his lasting legacy to the city's regeneration.
Councillor Brookfield, who died aged 57 in July 2023, championed the £61 million City Learning Quarter scheme to improve skills and employment opportunities for residents.
The unveiling was attended by Councillor Brookfield’s wife, Councillor Paula Brookfield, and their son, Councillor Paul Brookfield, as well as current council leader Councillor Stephen Simkins, deputy leader Councillor Steve Evans and senior council cabinet members and directors.
Following the unveiling, the group was given a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities, which opened to students for the first time in November.
Councillor Simkins said: “Ian’s major priority for this city was children and their education, and we honour him here today because this new campus opens up opportunities for young people to fulfil their potential and be proud to say they have been through the doors of our city college.
“This is not just about bricks and mortar, it is about people. People are the centre of everything we do in Wolverhampton.”
Ms Fall led a tribute on behalf of the college and presented the Brookfield family with a replica of the plaque as a keepsake.
She said: "Councillor Brookfield was a passionate advocate for education and believed deeply in the power of skills to transform lives in Wolverhampton.
"The City Learning Quarter was a vision he championed tirelessly, and it is fitting that his legacy is permanently recognised here.
"We are proud that the CitySixth study space is dedicated to his memory, ensuring that future generations of students using this facility know the significant role he played in providing them with these transformative opportunities."
Councillor Paul Brookfield said: “It is a great honour to see dad’s name on the building, a true testament to his hard work to make sure the City Learning Quarter happened and his dedication to the city of Wolverhampton.
"He would have been thrilled to know that his name will be associated with a place where people will come to learn, grow and thrive to make a brighter future for themselves and the city.”
