The multi-million pound regeneration of Wolverhampton’s transport hub area is hitting new heights with the roof on the showpiece Interchange 10 (i10) building nearing completion.
i10 will provide the only top grade office accommodation in the city and is a key component in the council’s £10.6million office, retail and leisure development.
Wider development will include a new railway station and relocation of the Metro stop.
Plans have been passed for the extension of the station car park and the new bus station is already in use.
The Interchange will become the gateway to the city for people arriving off the national rail network, by bus or Metro.
Councillor Peter Bilson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets, said: “The i10 building is now beginning to stand out as a beacon in the city landscape. This is a major development for the City of Wolverhampton and is being delivered on time and on budget. i10 will provide the first top grade office accommodation and other business units close to the station. It demonstrates confidence and optimism in the city to potential investors, which will in turn lead to further regeneration and job creation.”
The project is being delivered with Neptune Developments and Balfour Beatty, who are working with the council to also help a number of apprentices gain new skills on site.
“Peter Fennell, Balfour Beatty Site Manager, said: “We are very pleased to mark this significant milestone in the construction of the i10 project, a key element to the Wolverhampton Interchange development.
“Balfour Beatty is also working alongside Wolverhampton City Council and local colleagues to provide real work experience opportunities for local students and apprentices.”
Steve Parry, managing director of Neptune Developments, said: “The excellent progress being made with the I10 building is proving really useful in helping with our efforts to deliver future phases of the Interchange scheme, including the new railway station.”
Planners gave the Interchange 10 project the green light in March 2014 and the site has already attracted significant interest from a number of potential retailers and businesses. The project should be completed by the end of 2015.
Image caption (L to R): On top of the new i10 building are Lee Hopewell (Balfour Beatty Site Manager), Brandon Garbett, Will Morris (both Balfour Beatty apprentices), Marie Bintley (Wolverhampton City Council Head of City Development), Councillor Peter Bilson (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets), Peter Fennell (Balfour Beatty project manager), Mark Eubank (Balfour Beatty Design Manager), Steve Parry (Neptune Developments Managing Director), Rob Mason (Neptune Developments Development Director) and Dave Ronan (Balfour Beatty Operations Director).