Works on a major £19 million scheme to transform Wolverhampton city centre will start this month.

The improvements planned for Lichfield Street, Queen Square and Darlington Street follow extensive consultation with businesses, the public and key stakeholders.

The completed scheme will deliver high quality improvements such as wider, brighter, safer streets; vibrant public events spaces; more trees, greenery and seating; and easy access for buses, cycles and taxis.

It is the third and final phase of City of Wolverhampton Council’s city centre improvements programme following completed schemes in the Victoria Street and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls areas.

The works will be carried out by contractor Taylor Woodrow in stages, with the entire scheme expected to last for 2 and a half years, including pauses in the works for key city centre events and during Christmas periods.

The first works on Darlington Street, between Chapel Ash Island and Red Lion Street, will start in the week commencing Monday 20 January and are expected to last for around 6 months, subject to weather conditions. They will involve excavation and installation of new paving on north and south footways. 

A temporary road closure will be in place along lower Darlington Street with a clearly signed diversion route in place at the Waterloo Road/School Street junction. Pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained at all times during business hours.

Funding for the scheme consists of £13.5 million from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund, £3 million from the Towns Fund and £2.6 million from the Active Travel Fund.