A planning application has been submitted by the council to develop a new and improved Bilston High Street Link for the community. The link sits between Pinfold Street and the High Street, connecting WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams Leisure Centre and the wider Urban Village development to Bilston town centre. The application comes following consultation with the local community and groups during the autumn on the designs for the re-imagined open space. The scheme forms part of the transformative Bilston Health & Regeneration Programme (HaRP), supported by funding secured from UK Government. Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton…

England’s largest community led festival of history and culture is set to return to Wolverhampton for the first time in over a decade. Heritage Open Days will return to the city in September, giving residents and visitors the chance to explore historic places, discover hidden stories and take part in new experiences – all free of charge. The Friends of Wolverhampton Archives and City of Wolverhampton Council are teaming up to deliver a programme of events across the city as part of the festival which will take place between 11 to 20 September. Heritage Open Days rely on thousands of…

City of Wolverhampton Council has boosted the total funding available through its Vibrant High Streets business grants programme. The new grant to support city and town centre ‘High Street’ businesses in the daytime and night-time economy was launched last month. An initial £400,000 was available and this has now been increased to £650,000 – aimed at supporting small and independent retailers and businesses in the city centre, Bilston, Wednesfield and other high street areas. The grants are designed to help them improve the visual appearance, safety and customer service experience at their premises to boost local spend and…

Adult Education Wolverhampton is inviting learners across the city to explore crime and psychology by enrolling on a new 8 week course. Understanding the Criminal Mind, starting next month, explores crime, law, and the psychology behind criminal behaviour, providing learners with a broad introduction to the criminal justice system. It will run from Wednesday 6 May to Thursday 2 July, 2026 with sessions held every Wednesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 3pm. The course is open to all adults, with no formal qualifications required, making it ideal for those with an interest in criminal justice, psychology or law, as well…

An NHS double decker bus will be coming to Wolverhampton from 6 May, 2026 to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer, and the importance of early detection. Organised by the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board and NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, in partnership with local NHS organisations and councils, the cancer bus offers local people the opportunity to speak directly with healthcare professionals. Visitors can learn how to recognise potential cancer symptoms, get advice on what to do if they are concerned, and find out about local support services. They can also get information…

People in Wolverhampton are being encouraged to have their say in a national Government consultation on proposed reforms to the Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) system. The consultation sets out plans to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND from birth to age 25, with a focus on earlier help, fairer access to support, and shared accountability between local partners. The Government is seeking views from anyone with an interest in the SEND system, including children and young people, parents and carers, teachers, school leaders, multi‑academy trusts, and professionals working across education, health and social care. The…

Wolverhampton city centre Wolverhampton is a step closer to getting an exciting new destination for food, drink and socialising, after the council confirmed it was set to start the search for an operator to deliver a major new ‘box space’ venue in the heart of the city. The move brings forward a long held ambition to create a bold, modern space where residents, students and visitors can eat, drink, meet friends and enjoy a buzzing atmosphere – adding something completely new to what the city already offers. City of Wolverhampton Council has set aside up to £5.5 million from…

Solihull Council has entered an agreement with the award-winning Heartwood Inns to transform the former Missoula and Luna unit on Solihull High Street. The development – which is part of a wider strategy to invest in Solihull – will provide a contemporary ‘pub with rooms’, breathing a new lease of life into the prominent listed building. In a nod to the area’s natural heritage, Heartwood has announced that the site will be renamed The Muddy Fox. With the name ‘Solihull’ said to derive from the ‘soily hill’ on which St Alphege church stands, the name pays tribute to the pub’s…

A range of support will be available to help residents with additional needs take part in the Walsall Local Elections on Thursday 7 May 2026, with additional accessibility measures introduced this year alongside existing provision. New for 2026 New accessibility measures are being introduced for the 2026 Local Elections to further improve access and ensure more residents can vote independently and with confidence. These include audio ballot papers and a live British Sign Language (BSL) translation of postal voting instructions and key polling station information Voters will be able to access the BSL translation service via a live Microsoft Teams…

Wolverhampton Central Library’s historic façade has been restored to its former glory as part of the council’s City Learning Quarter programme. The scaffolding has now been removed from the Grade II* listed building with the exterior heritage restoration works completed by main contractor Speller Metcalfe alongside specialist heritage contractor, Midland Conservation Ltd. As well as essential works to preserve the historical elements of the façade, the roof has been replaced, leadwork renewed, and the main spire and matching copper domes have been replaced in a like for like copper. It follows the ground floor Adult Lending Library reopening…