'Exciting chapter in Wolverhampton’s regeneration story': Building work gathers pace on city's largest development

The award-winning construction company has made significant progress with site accommodation and hoardings installed and the site now fully cleared.

Representatives from English Cities Fund (ECF), a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse, recently joined delegates from Wolverhampton Council to see first-hand the rapid progress being made.

The momentum on site follows a landmark funding deal to bring forward the wider Smithgate development, a transformational mixed-use neighbourhood that will see 1,000 new homes created along with new public spaces, shops and amenities in the heart of the city, on 12 acres of land linking School Street and Darlington Street to the area around Market Square.

Under the first phase of the masterplan, Bicycle Works will deliver around 331 high-quality apartments across three six-storey buildings on vacant land next to the city's Market Square and opposite Sainsbury's supermarket, with the aim of unlocking wider development of the area, boosting economic growth and encouraging inward investment.

The next phase of the project will see Caddick Construction, which has extensive experience in delivering complex, city-centre regeneration schemes, complete earthworks and pile platforms ahead of beginning piling and foundation works - with construction expected to complete in 2028.

Ray O’Sullivan, regional managing director at Caddick Construction Midlands, said: “We’re very proud to be working on behalf of ECF and Wolverhampton Council to deliver Bicycle Works.

"This is an exciting chapter in Wolverhampton’s regeneration story, and a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through strong public-private partnership. Our focus is on delivering high-quality homes while creating a neighbourhood that people will be proud to live in. Over the next two years, we look forward to working with local partners and the community to ensure this development leaves a positive legacy for the city.”

To support the construction effort, Caddick has also begun working closely with project stakeholders and regional supply chain partners to support local employment and skills development while engaging with education providers.

Significant investment has been attracted for the first phase of the regeneration project, with ECF having secured £18 million from the West Midlands Combined Authority and £65 million in private funding.

Basit Ali, development director at ECF, said: “Smithgate is fundamental to Wolverhampton’s future. It will re-introduce city centre living at scale, attract new venues, and support existing businesses. 

"It’s an opportunity to create a city centre which is active throughout the day and into the evening. With construction now underway, this is the point where the masterplan becomes real and people will see Smithgate take shape.”

Councillor Chris Burden, Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, added: “Smithgate is Wolverhampton’s largest regeneration scheme and will deliver an exciting new city centre neighbourhood of hundreds of homes - creating jobs and boosting local businesses – securing brighter futures for all. With works on the ground progressing, we will soon start to see our vision become a reality.”

The Smithgate scheme replaces previous plans for restaurants and attractions with a development that is mostly residential following a number of stalled schemes for the area, including the failed Westside leisure project.