Multi-million-pound plans to open a boxpark-style venue in Wolverhampton city centre have received official backing from councillors, marking a significant step forward for the long-awaited project. The outdoor entertainment and dining hub, built from converted shipping containers, is projected to draw between 400,000 and 500,000 visitors annually, serving as a major attraction for the region.
Council Approves Search for Operator
City of Wolverhampton Council will now begin its search for an operator to build and manage the new outdoor food and drink venue on council-owned land. The decision came after the authority’s Labour cabinet endorsed the proposal on July 8. The council has set aside up to £5.5 million for the project and expects to generate a return over the proposed 25-year lease.
Council leader Cllr Stephen Simkins emphasized the venue's role in creating a “busy, vibrant and attractive” city centre. “It gives people more reason to come and visit,” he told the cabinet meeting. “But also what is important is that we want them to come and to stay longer when they do so. This is not a stand-alone project and forms a wider part of the transformation of our city centre and compliments the major investment already taking place.”
A 'Magnet Puller' for the City
Deputy council leader Cllr Steve Evans described the boxpark as a “magnet puller” and “absolutely the right thing to do.” He highlighted the growing residential population in the city centre, noting, “We mustn’t forget we are building lots of new houses and apartments within the city centre. I dare say that there will be a lot of young professional people that will be moving into those properties and they would absolutely utilise a box space. That’s not withstanding people who visit our attractions which bring hundreds of thousands of people every year into this city.”
Cllr Bhupinder Gakhal added that the plans provided a “wonderful vision” and a sign the city was growing. The project is expected to support local businesses by boosting visitor numbers and strengthening both the daytime and evening economy.
Long-Standing Plans Revived
The council has held ambitions for a boxpark in the city centre for several years. Originally slated to open on Cleveland Street in 2024, the multi-million-pound move was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the cost of living crisis, and the war in Ukraine. Artist’s impressions of the proposed venue were unveiled in 2023, with the site initially intended to replace a decaying row of shops on Cleveland Street.
Other potential locations have been considered, including the former outdoor market on Peel Street, which was demolished in 2017. That site now forms part of a huge 12-acre regeneration area that will eventually see 1,070 new homes built between School Street and Darlington Street, alongside space for new shops, bars, restaurants, and a revamped square.
Economic and Community Impact
The boxpark is expected to complement major investments already underway in Wolverhampton city centre, including new housing developments and cultural attractions. Cllr Simkins described the project as “a sensible and positive investment into the city centre that supports regeneration, businesses and jobs and skills and strengthens our day-time and evening economy.” The council anticipates that the venue will become a key destination, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and encouraging them to stay longer, thereby boosting spending in local businesses.
