A computer generated image of what the approach to the new outdoor market canopy could look like heading from the bus station (Image credit: Greig & Stephenson Architects)
The multi million pound redevelopment of Bilston Market is set to get underway next week.
City of Wolverhampton Council is investing more than £5 million in major improvements to the market that will deliver “the absolute best market in the West Midlands” with more modern, more accessible, and more vibrant spaces for traders and the local community.
Works are set to officially begin on Wednesday 23 July and will feature better access for pedestrians from the bus and Metro station, a new canopy, new toilets, stall improvements and improved public spaces. It is set to be completed by June 2026.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said that despite the discovery of difficult ground conditions at the market site, the council was “100% committed” to delivering the full scheme as agreed with traders.
He said: “Delivering a first class, improved and modern market – the absolute best market in the West Midlands – with better access is an absolute priority for us – and I’m pleased to see work begin so we can deliver for our traders and the people of Bilston.
“Unfortunately, surveys revealed far more challenging ground conditions at the site than we had anticipated, so we have had to re-engineer parts of the project. This has driven up the cost of the scheme – but I can assure traders we will not compromise on our ambition and will deliver the full scheme exactly as agreed with them.”
Council bosses have identified additional contingency funds of up to £2.5 million to address the re-engineered scheme and other factors.
The Council also said it will freeze rent costs of the indoor and outdoor market traders and is investing £15,000 in activities and events in and around the indoor market to help drive footfall.
Councillor Simkins added: “We promised traders they’d be the first to know once we got the timeline of the works, and I met with them face to face first this morning to talk through the plans and let them know how we’re supporting them while the works take place.”