New computer-generated images have been revealed showcasing what the Civic Halls interior will look like once major refurbishment works are completed.

They illustrate the new second balcony that will flow around three sides of the Civic Hall and the installation of a new balcony in the Wulfrun Hall – both enabling more people to view world-class entertainment at the iconic venue.

Contractors, Willmott Dixon Interiors, are continuing to fit the new steel beams to improve the 82-year-old building’s infrastructure, while working in line with the Government’s Covid-19 health and safety guidelines.

The improvements to the building are critical to ensuring the Grade II-listed halls remain a prominent venue on the entertainment circuit for generations of audiences to come - generating millions of pounds a year and creating hundreds of jobs in the local economy.

Following the Covid-19 interruption, the revised timetable for the project now means the refurbished Wolves Civic is expected to reopen to the public in early 2022.

Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “These images show what a truly outstanding venue we are creating in the heart of the city centre.

“The works respect the great history of the Civic Halls while enhancing them to provide the very-best user experience – and ensure it reopens and remains a top-class venue in the future, enabling citizens to enjoy it for many decades to come. 

“The halls will also bring in millions of pounds to our local economy and safeguard hundreds of jobs, which is more important than ever as we look to relight our city after being hit hard by Covid-19.”

Phil Crowther, Director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, added: “We have reached an important milestone with the structural steel installation.  The entire project team has worked tirelessly to design, plan and execute the installation of steelwork into the heritage building.  Whilst the building is currently only a shell, standing on the new seating level already provides the impressive view of the stage and a sense of how amazing the venue will be once it completes.  What is truly outstanding is how the new elements are being weaved into the existing structure to ensure the venue retains its iconic feel.”

Essential structural, engineering and electrical works are also part of the works programme.

The height above the stage to the rear of the Civic Hall will be increased to attract bigger and better shows.

Overall, there will be wider and more comfortable seats, bigger and better bars and more space to socialise, expanded and revamped toilet facilities to give visitors an improved experience, lift access to new balconies, better access arrangements for disabled visitors (including enhanced wheelchair access), a greater number of accessible viewing points, and improved room temperatures through the installation of a new air conditioning system.

As the transformation of the Wolves Civic ramps up, we are celebrating the fascinating history and emotional power of this iconic building through the www.YourWolvesCivic.co.uk website.

The website celebrates all the joy the halls have brought to Wolverhampton over the years – recognising the famous names alongside the personal memories.

It also gives people the opportunity to share their stories of great nights out at the Civic via the ‘Your Stories’ section on the website.