City of Wolverhampton Council’s eye-catching modern office development i9 is set to start emerging from the ground next month.

A 36-metre tower crane has been erected in readiness for the installation of the pre-cast concrete frame and brick-faced precast external walls, which are being manufactured off site.

Groundworks are nearing completion and contractors GRAHAM will begin laying the ground-floor slabs this month.

i9 is set in the heart of the City of Wolverhampton Interchange and emerged as a scheme following the success of the award-winning i10 complex on the opposite side of Railway Drive.

The finished building will provide up to 52,000 sq ft of stunning Grade A office space, has potential for 5,600 sq ft of leisure space for restaurants, and is planned for completion in 2021.

It is the next step in developing a thriving commercial quarter at the heart of Wolverhampton Interchange - bringing further investment and jobs to the city.

City of Wolverhampton Council and leading property developer, Ion, selected Glenn Howells Architects’ design for i9 as the winner from a strong field of ten UK leading architects and urban design practices in a national design competition.

They are the architects behind the Paradise Birmingham scheme - one of the biggest city centre development projects in the UK.

Council Leader, Councillor Ian Brookfield, said: “The erection of the tower crane on site marks a major milestone in this impressive city centre scheme.

“i9 will help us stimulate economic growth in the city, bringing hundreds of jobs and much-needed opportunities for local people in our recovery from the current crisis.

“As well as helping get Wolverhampton back on its feet, it is another step towards our aspirations of creating a commercial district in this area of the city centre.”

The design has drawn influence from Wolverhampton’s family of red-brick Victorian buildings - providing a complementary, contemporary addition fit for 21st century working life.

It is set to house restaurants within the ground floor of the building as well as a rooftop amenity space, with panoramic views towards the city centre conservation area and Interchange.

Ion Managing Director, Steve Parry, added: “We’re delighted to reach a further milestone in delivering i9. It is set to be an iconic building that is sympathetic within its environment, whilst still demonstrating City of Wolverhampton’s ambition to compete as a prime city centre office location.

“The development of this quality of building will broaden the appeal of City of Wolverhampton to a range of occupiers who are seeking the highest standards. The proximity of transportation hubs and availability of cafés and restaurants on the ground floor will reinforce this part of the Interchange as a place to spend leisure time.”

GRAHAM will target a BREEAM Excellent rating to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the building and lower any potential impact on the surrounding environment.

GRAHAM Regional Director, Ronan Hughes, said: “Wolverhampton is undergoing a period of regeneration that is set to transform the city and attract further investment and jobs to the area. We are delighted with the progress being made on the i9 site and are proud to be delivering a significant, sustainable commercial building that will provide the benefits of a prime location and high-spec office facilities.”