Planning permission has been approved for improvements to Bilston Urban Garden, a public open space at Stafford Street connecting to Church Street in Bilston town centre.
The scheme is part of the Bilston Health and Regeneration Programme (HaRP), which is supported by Government funding and aims to integrate health, leisure and community infrastructure in the 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, contains a raised oval shaped area of grassland, pedestrian paths, landscaped beds, shrubs and seating areas.
The approved proposals will enhance the appearance, quality, safety and usability of the space while keeping its familiar layout and function. Work will include improved paving, refreshed tree and shrub planting, and upgrades to seating and street furniture.
The improvements will strengthen connections between the High Street, the transport interchange and the markets.
Public consultation shaped the design
The planning application was submitted following public consultation. Residents and businesses helped shape the final design.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: "The opinions of residents, businesses and visitors have helped shape the final design for the Urban Garden and the planning approval means we can now start moving towards the business end of delivering these improvements."
Next steps
The council will now begin appointing a contractor to carry out the works, with the process expected to be completed by early next year.
The Urban Garden scheme is part of wider investment in Bilston that includes the new outdoor market, Black Country Route public realm improvements, a High Street Link scheme, and a new Health and Wellbeing facility next to the leisure centre. The council is also delivering a £20 million Pride in Place programme, which includes plans for the return of Bilston Carnival in July.
