Wolverhampton City Council has submitted a planning application for improvements to the Bilston Urban Garden, a public open space at Stafford Street connecting to Church Street.
The scheme is part of the Bilston Health & Regeneration Programme (HaRP), which is supported by Government funding. The improvements aim to enhance the quality of the public realm and boost sustainable active travel opportunities across Bilston town centre.
What the improvements include
The Urban Garden has two distinct sections. The first, near Church Street, is an open paved square with a large tree. The second, near Stafford Street, features a raised oval shaped area of grassland, pedestrian paths, landscaped beds, shrubs and seating areas.
The proposals focus on improving the quality, safety and usability of this public open space. Plans include resurfacing, landscape enhancements, tree and shrub planting and improvements to street furniture. The existing layout and movement patterns will be retained.
The proposals aim to strengthen connections between the High Street, the transport interchange and the markets. They have been informed by feedback from public consultation.
Part of wider regeneration plans
The Urban Garden scheme builds on the recent completion of the new Bilston outdoor market. Other ongoing investment in the town includes Black Country Route public realm improvements, the High Street Link scheme, construction of a new Health & Wellbeing Facility next to the leisure centre, and the £20 million Pride in Place programme.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: "Major investment is being made in Bilston with a number of projects set to transform the town centre. The opinions of residents, businesses and visitors have helped shape these proposals for the Urban Garden and the planning submission is a major step towards delivering this scheme."