A new artist’s impression of what Lichfield Street could look like has been unveiled as part of the city centre’s transformation concept – and the public can have their say on the exciting proposals from today (Tuesday).

It forms part of the next phase of City of Wolverhampton Council’s city centre improvement programme which will reshape Lichfield Street, Queen Square, Princess Square and Darlington Street.

Work on the first two phases of the city centre improvement programme in the Victoria Street and Civic Halls areas are well underway and are expected to be completed early next year.

It is all part of a move to reimagine the city centre to make it a place that attracts people for not only shopping but also for varied events and activities in its public spaces.

Key concept proposals include wider footpaths to improve pedestrian experience and enable hospitality businesses to offer outdoor seating, an increased number of bus stops and coach stops to serve the Grand Theatre, a two-way continuous cycle route, one-way bus and taxi access (westbound), the creation of new and improved events spaces, new trees, planting and street furniture.

The plans can be viewed in more detail at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/citycentrepublicrealm

Comments can be made by completing the survey at

https://consultation.wolverhampton.gov.uk/cwc/city-centre-public-realm-improvements/, emailing citycentre.improvements@wolverhampton.gov.uk, or writing to Ruth Taylor, Transport Strategy, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RP.

The closing date for comments is Friday, December 9.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, said: “We want people to enjoy our city centre from the moment they arrive, and our public realm improvements will be transformational.

“They will deliver real, tangible benefits for businesses, residents and visitors to our city centre, supporting the development of our events strategy.

“The streets will be given a whole new lease of life, making them much more attractive and inviting, which will help to drive more footfall to businesses. 

“I would urge as many people as possible to view the concept proposals and provide their feedback to help us shape the details of the scheme.”

The scheme will be supported by funding from a combination of the Towns Fund and other external funding yet to be officially confirmed.

The works will also complement other transformational development schemes already underway or in the pipeline in the city centre, including the £150 million Interchange and commercial district, and thousands of new homes at Brewers Yard and Canalside – all helping to create hundreds of new jobs and further investment opportunities.

Image caption: A computer generated image of what Lichfield Street could look like