Plans lodged for market regeneration scheme

The City of Wolverhampton Council has submitted a planning application for the regeneration of Bilston’s outdoor market.£5.2m from the Towns Fund will fuel the redevelopment, which forms part of the transformative Bilston Health & Regeneration Programme (HaRP).Plans include the enhancement of the entrance off of the Black Country Route, reorganisation and refurbishment of the indoor and outdoor markets, the introduction of new retail units and public toilets, the provision of a flexible space where events can be hosted and a taller canopy to cover the stalls in the outdoor market.It will be connected to public space improvements and Bilston’s public transport network.The submission of the planning application follows public feedback in July on initial proposals, which have helped shape the final design for the community asset.Councillor Craig Collingswood, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “Markets are a destination and people don’t just want to come and shop, they also want to enjoy the atmosphere and sit down for a cup of tea.“We had good feedback from residents through the consultation and have developed attractive plans that will enhance Bilston market for residents and visitors.“It is important for our traditional local centres to flourish, and this scheme builds substantially on the investment already made in Bilston in recent years.”