Wolverhampton's mayor moved out of parlour during £22m repairs

Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton's 159th Mayor, was moved earlier this month to a temporary home at the city's Art Gallery.

The mayoral suite is used to welcome special guests and for formal occasions throughout the year.

The repairs - part of a £22 million project covering the entire Civic Centre - are expected to be completed by Spring 2018.

Councillor Andrew Johnson, Wolverhampton council's cabinet member for resources, said: “A programme of essential repairs and maintenance to all areas of the 40-year-old Civic Centre has been taking place since early 2016. Work on the third and final phase has recently begun and that includes the Mayor’s facilities on the third floor.

"The overall objective is to bring mechanical, electrical and ventilation systems in line with the rest of the building and at the same time some minor works will take place to make better use of the space.

“These works form part of the overall FutureSpace scheme which will be delivered within the £22 million programme budget. FutureSpace will save taxpayers £500,000 a year by extending the life of the Civic Centre by carrying out essential repairs to aging systems and equipment as well as improving the office layout to enable more staff to move in from outlying offices.

"This will enable us to shut these unsuitable and costly satellite offices and dispose of them.

“As a temporary measure, the Mayor and his office have moved to City of Wolverhampton Art Gallery. This is a fitting venue for the city’s first citizen to carry out his ambassadorial duties and host his many local, regional, national and international visitors.

"He is due to return to the Civic Centre when the works to the third floor are completed in Spring 2018.”