MEDIA RELEASE AND IMAGE
Released: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
MAJOR MILESTONE FOR CITY CENTRE WEST AS PLANS APPROVED
A planning application for City Centre West, Wolverhampton’s largest regeneration opportunity, has been approved by the local planning authority.
ECF – a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse – working in partnership with City of Wolverhampton Council, submitted proposals in autumn 2024. This included detailed plans for the first phase, as well as on outline application for the wider masterplan.
Following the decision, the new neighbourhood will be re-named Smithgate in a nod to the city’s historic metalworks.
Alongside delivering over 1,000 new homes, including affordable homes, the Smithgate masterplan will include new shops, cafes, restaurants and public spaces. It also enables the delivery of an enhanced Market Square.
First phase works, subject to funding agreements being in place, could commence later this year, and would include 331 Build to Rent and affordable homes along with new retail opportunities and public spaces.
Smithgate has been identified by the council as a strategic brownfield opportunity: it features in the Wolverhampton Investment Prospectus and is detailed in the City Centre Local Area Action Plan.
Part of a wider economic strategy to bring more people into the city centre, Smithgate will deliver a dynamic new neighbourhood. It will elevate Wolverhampton’s wider offer and boost footfall to support new and established businesses.
Basit Ali, Development Director at ECF, said: "With planning consent secured we will be able to work quickly to start delivery of the first phase at Smithgate.
“We’ve worked closely and in partnership with Wolverhampton Council to develop plans for an exciting new neighbourhood which will bring something different and new to the city. Its new name – ‘Smithgate’ – reflects the city’s historic industrial base as we deliver a dynamic new gateway to Wolverhampton.
“Wolverhampton is a place with ambition, a plan, and the capability to deliver. Reaching this milestone is testament to our strong partnership with the council, the city’s leadership, and the local authority’s pro-active and supportive approach.”
Cllr Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Smithgate will put people at the heart of the city centre with new homes, shops, cafes, and restaurants.
“It will drive economic growth which will benefit all our communities, help meet our significant housing needs and create a new place for people to visit and spend time.
“Now planning approval is in place we will continue to support ECF in securing the external funding needed to enable delivery of this transformational scheme.”
The new brand identity for Smithgate celebrates the heritage of the place through bold industrial inspired typography and textured images and graphics which add a grit and hand-built quality. The new brand will start to be rolled out immediately.
