Visitors to Bilston will be greeted by 'urban garden' as they step off tram or bus

Plans to create a new ‘urban garden’ greeting visitors to Bilston have been submitted for planning permission.

Wolverhampton Council has revealed images for its proposed floral gateway linking the town’s bus station with Church Street in the town centre.

It forms part of a wider government-funded scheme to bring together health, leisure and community services within Bilston town centre.

At the moment, the site is divided into two distinct sections: an open paved square outside the doctor’s surgery in Church Street, with a single large tree, and a raised oval area surrounded by flower beds next to the bus and tram station.

The council hopes the proposals will make the area more attractive by improving safety, and strengthening connections between the High Street, the bus station and the revamped market. 

The existing layout will be retained, but the area will be resurfaced and landscaped, with more trees and shrubs should the plans be approved.

The submission follows a public consultation in the spring where residents were invited for their views on how the area should be improved.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, leader of Wolverhampton Council and ward member for Bilston South, said: “Major investment is being made in Bilston with a number of projects set to transform the town centre.

“The opinions of residents, businesses and visitors have helped shape these proposals for the urban garden and the planning submission is a major step towards delivering this scheme.”

The scheme aims to build on the new Bilston outdoor market, with proposals for further landscaping of the recently vacated temporary market site off High Street, and a new health centre next to the Bert Williams leisure centre.

The town will also receive £20million Pride in Place funding to spend on projects to boost the town.

Earlier this month, 10,000 people turned out for the first Bilston Carnival since 2008,