Multi-million pound plans for Wolverhampton railway station get the green light

And business chiefs have hailed the proposals as a major boost for both the city and Black Country

The station will be revamped as part of the ongoing £120 million Interchange project, which has now been given the go-ahead by Wolverhampton council bosses.

Ninder Johal, a board member at the Black Country LEP, said: "Wolverhampton railway station had fallen behind other similar stations around the country.

"Obviously now with the incoming HS2 the timing for this is superb.

"It will help build on the regeneration of both Wolverhampton and the Black Country, particularly with the Mander Centre and the Civic Hall.

"This means more visitors will come through a much-improved station and rail infrastructure.

"With continuing problems on the M6, which we are hoping will also be improved, the railway takes on greater significance and will also offer better links to New Street."

The Interchange Partnership submitted the plans to demolish the existing station and replace it with the new one."

Work is due to begin on the new railway station next year following the extension and refurbishment of the railway station multi-storey car park, which is expected to be completed by Christmas.

The new railway station will also benefit from an enhanced Birmingham New Street-style ticket office, larger passenger concourse, and ample ticket barriers to ease flow onto and off platforms.

Further changes include improvements to the retail and café facilities, an increase in taxi rank provisions and more efficient passenger drop-off and pick-up points.