The proposals to transform Wolverhampton City Centre are moving closer to reality today as Neptune Developments, working in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council and Centro, submit their detailed planning application for Phase One of the Interchange scheme. It is hoped that, subject to planning, the scheme will start on site as early as October this year.

A major public consultation was held last year for the proposed £174 million project to rebuild the bus station, train station, a range of leisure and commercial buildings, and 200,000 sq ft of new public space. The global economic slowdown delayed the scheme but it is now all systems go with a funding package in place thanks to a further   £13 million from the Department for Transport to deliver a £24 million first phase.

The planning application includes proposals to rebuild the bus station and remove the modern additions to the neighbouring Queens Building, a Grade Two listed property.This will then be restored to its former glory to enable its reuse as a café/bar.

Also proposed is the demolition of Pipers Row House and the construction of a new two-storey building offering around 16,000sq ft of retail space to the east of the Queens Building. This new building would accommodate a state of the art travel shop, further café/restaurant opportunities, retail premises and offices.

The construction work will require temporary bus stops and other facilities to be provided and details of these are included in the application.

Steve Parry, Chief Executive of Liverpool-based Neptune Developments, said: “The current financial climate has meant many new developments around the country have had to be put on hold over the past year. Against this background we are delighted to finally be able to submit our plans for the Interchange scheme which we are sure will dramatically improve Wolverhampton’s City Centre.”

Councillor Paddy Bradley, Wolverhampton City Council's cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, added: "Today's news is a major boost for Wolverhampton. The Interchange will create a new train station, bus station and new leisure and office space. This is something that the council and the people of Wolverhampton have wanted to see happen for a long time and the submission of the planning application is evidence that the scheme is moving forward."

The new bus station, which will be operated by Centro, the region’s transport  authority, will incorporate 19 stands laid out in a saw tooth arrangement, making it easier for buses to access stops when adjoining stands are occupied. Passengers will also be able to get to all of the bus stands without having to cross the bus circulation lanes.

Chris Perry, Centro’s Head of Operational Services, said: “The proposed new bus station is great news for passengers. They will get light and airy covered waiting areas and a generous passenger concourse at the entrance to the station. Neptune’s plans are exciting ones and they herald a new era for public transport in Wolverhampton.”

A large new travel shop providing information and ticketing for all modes of travel is included in the plans and the station will also feature an integrated   audio visual system giving passengers the latest information on bus, train and Metro services The design will also allow for the proposed Metro stop on Pipers Row to be fully integrated into the bus station.

An outline planning application for the remainder of the scheme will be submitted in July and will include improved pedestrian access to the Birmingham Canal, with a new pedestrian footbridge constructed across the ring road to provide a direct link between the new bus station and the railway station. It will also include the demolition of the railway multi-storey car park and the construction of a new Railway Station Forecourt. In parallel with this, plans will also be submitted to Network Rail for a new railway station and 1200 space multi-story car park.

It is expected this first phase of work will create 77 jobs while overall the scheme could create around 2000 new jobs for Wolverhampton.

Neptune and Wolverhampton City Council continue to work closely with partners including Network Rail, Virgin Trains, Centro, British Waterways, and Advantage West Midlands.