New car park created on site of derelict Bell Street shops
Land where derelict properties once stood in a city centre street has been transformed into a temporary car park as regeneration of Wolverhampton’s Southside continues.
Wolverhampton council has completed the demolition of properties, number 1-5 on Bell Street, which sat next to the Mander Centre.
The land has been converted into a 41-space interim, short-stay car park, to provide additional income to the council ahead of future regeneration of the land.
Across the Southside area, the £7.6 million expansion and redevelopment of Casino 36 was completed in November 2016, bringing an extra 100 jobs to the city.
The former Netto building and the old furniture shop at the corner of Snow Hill and Cleveland Street have also been razed to pave the way for the relocation of the city centre market, which is expected to be completed in spring 2018.
Councillor John Reynolds, cabinet member for city economy, said: “Southside is looking very different as we reshape this area of the city.
“The removal of the derelict Bell Street properties will enable us to make the city better connected.
“In the interim it provides valuable parking right next to the main shopping centre, which is ideal for Christmas shoppers.
“The new market will be a real asset and we continue to develop our strategy for the immediate surrounding area.
“It all fits into the £1 billion of investment that is either on site or in the pipeline for the city centre.”
The new city centre market, fronting Cleveland Street, will boast 20 cabins and 48 stalls.
It will provide increased footfall from the Wulfrun Centre and transport Interchange, as well as situating the market in a student catchment area.