Wolverhampton City Council is investing £400,000 to repair and upgrade Portobello Community Centre on Hill Road, Bilston. The council-owned building has been empty since December 2023, when the previous community association left.

The improvement scheme will address essential repairs including roofing work, electrical upgrades and accessibility improvements. The work is designed to make the building safe, operational and fit for community use.

Funding and Priority

The project is funded through £124,000 from the government's Pride in Place Programme and £276,000 from the council's Corporate Provision and Contingency for Future Programmes budget. It has been identified as a priority project through the Pride in Place Programme after residents requested investment in community spaces during consultation on Bilston's long-term regeneration plans.

Community Input

Josie Kelly, Chair of the Bilston Pride in Place Board, said: "Pride in Place is all about investing in the things that matter most to local people, and Portobello Community Centre is a great example of that in action. The Board has worked closely with residents to understand their priorities and there has been a clear desire to see investment in the places and spaces that bring communities together."

Councillor Steve Evans, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing and Assets, added: "This investment will breathe new life into an important community building and help secure its future for local people. Residents told us they want to see better community facilities and stronger neighbourhoods, and this project is a direct response to that feedback."

Councillor Linda Leach, Bilston North ward councillor and member of the Bilston Pride in Place Board, said: "Portobello Community Centre has been an important part of the local community for many years, so it is fantastic to see investment being made to give the building a new future."

Next Steps

Once the work is complete, the council will market the building for future community use. Longer-term management arrangements will progress through the council's Community Asset Transfer process.