Charity to revamp former Wolverhampton bus depot after securing nearly £1 million
Nearly £1 million has been handed to a charity to complete a major regeneration project on the site of a former bus depot.
YMCA Black Country Group secured £941,000 from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for the second phase of the scheme in Wolverhampton.
The project – dubbed the YMCA Cleveland Road City Gateway – will transform the area on the former bus depot next to the old Royal Hospital.
Steve Clay, CEO of the YMCA Black Country Group, said: “YMCA has been serving Wolverhampton residents for over 100 years, but this is the first time it has invested in permanent roots.
“YMCA’s Cleveland Road ‘City Gateway’ scheme represents a commitment to the City of Wolverhampton, and to the wider Black Country.”
The deal, between the charity and Walsall Council – on behalf of the LEP – was signed-off on Friday, using money from the Black Country Growth Deal cash pot.
The funding will be used to create a new childcare nursery, community training area and will bring 300sqm of additional retail units on the site.
Tom Westley DL, chairman of the Black Country LEP, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the YMCA’s Cleveland Road ‘City Gateway’ scheme and in doing so not only support the on-going physical redevelopment of Wolverhampton but also to be investing in the people of Wolverhampton.
“Now more than ever we need to be focused on supporting our communities from childcare through to skills training and business start ups to ensure the Black Country continues to focus on and strengthen the local economy for everyone.”
The project is being built by local developer Jessup and is due for completion in late spring next year – and represents an £8.4m investment in the city, including a £3.8m investment from Homes England and £3.6m from the YMCA.
Phase one of the project – the construction of 63 studio apartments – started in March 2019.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, cabinet member for city economy on Wolverhampton Council, said: “This development is a sign of the commitment from the council and its partners – in the most difficult of recent times – to strengthening the green shoots of recovery for all within the city.
“This is great news for a strategically important site that is part of the multi-billion-pound regeneration taking place in our city. This funding ensures the continuing transformation of this area – making the former Royal site a key gateway to the city centre.
“Crucially, the next phase of the scheme will also deliver vital education, training, skills and job opportunities for Wolverhampton residents.
"It is a critical part of how we are re-imagining and re-inventing our city centre, alongside great urban living, great connectivity, great public spaces, a great leisure and sporting offer, vibrant events, outstanding arts and culture, and a thriving commercial district.”
