Wolverhampton is planning to create a new food and entertainment venue

Plans have been submitted for a new multi-million pound food and entertainment venue in Wolverhampton.

The council claims the venue will attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city center every year.

Funded through a combination of government and council investment, the venue represents the next stage of a £22 million investment in the city centre.

Councilor Bhupinder Jakhal said the place would create “invaluable” employment and business opportunities.

The proposals follow the demolition of derelict shops on Cleveland Street in 2023, with the cleared site and car park planned to be located between Cleveland Street and Peel Street.

It will also use land from the proposed demolition of the vacant Neville Jarratt Centre.

The working title of the venue is Bell Works, a reference to the Victorian ironmonger and factory that existed in this area of ​​the city center in Wolverhampton's industrial past.

The project, which the council said would provide “new and improved” public parking, has received funding from the government High Street Future Fund.

This comes after extensive improvement works to the Victoria Street and North Street areas of the city.

Bhupinder Gakkal, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member, said: “Submitting the planning application is a major milestone in delivering an exciting new development that everyone can enjoy.

“Following approval, we will deliver a state-of-the-art food, beverage and entertainment facility in the city center that will boost footfall and create invaluable business and employment opportunities.

“These types of spaces are very popular in other areas of the country such as Newcastle, London and Sheffield and will be a great addition that complements the existing entertainment, events and evening economy in Wolverhampton.”