City of Wolverhampton’s Westside development opportunity has attracted strong initial interest from some of the UK’s leading developers and investors. With less than a week remaining until the deadline for expressions of interest more than 30 requests for detailed information have been made. City of Wolverhampton Council’s project team have also held meetings with several interested parties through ‘meet the team’ events.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “We have received strong interest from developers and investors who possess an excellent track record in delivering comparable high-quality schemes in the UK.

“The meetings we have held with prospective developers have revealed a general enthusiasm around the Westside opportunity, and optimism concerning the groundswell of activity across the city.

“We anticipate we will receive some strong submissions by the deadline on January 15.”

At the end of last year developers at Wolverhampton Business Week and at MIPIM UK, the UK’s largest exhibition and conference for property professionals, got first sight of what the City of Wolverhampton Council’s ambitious regeneration plans for Westside could look like through artist’s impressions.

The 6.4 acre site comprises three adjacent parcels of land in the freehold ownership of the council.

It represents one of the most significant regeneration opportunities at the heart of the city centre and will deliver major mixed-use development.

Situated opposite to the new Sainsbury’s supermarket on St Mark’s ring road, the Westside site includes the Fold Street, Peel Street and School Street car parks.

The council has already committed to carrying out the demolition of the existing indoor market and Heantun House on the Westside site, with the outdoor markets to be re-invigorated and modernised. It is expected the new market, which is due to open in March, will provide an asset to any new development by providing footfall and vitality.