Wolverhampton Council approves £4 million funding for learning quarter
Council chiefs have backed plans to spend £4 million to keep work progressing on a “learning quarter” for the city.
Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet approved the need to splash the cash on the project, with bosses hoping to recover the cash from a £30 million grant.
Funding from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership will be approved, or rejected, in December.
Councillor Harman Banger, cabinet member for city economy, said: “I’m very happy to present this report to the cabinet.
“Up to £4 million to design and fund the continuation of the project.
“It supports development of young people and education and enhances employment and provides a major regeneration stimulus.
"It’s a great report and I fully support it.”
The approval means work on the site, on the corner of Garrick Street and Bilston Street, can continue.
The learning quarter will see Wolverhampton College relocate into the city from Paget Road and will encompass the Metro One campus, adult education service and Central Library.
And demolition works on the former Faces nightclub, on the corner of Bilston Street and Garrick Street, are due to be completed by the end of summer.
Councillor Michael Hardacre, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “I think we shouldn’t underestimate the importance of what we have voted on here.
“Under the leadership, they have maintained with officers the momentum necessary to preserve the concept of a city learning quarter.
“This is good news for our young people. It ensures that there is full provision in a place that is easy to get to in Wolverhampton.
“It will mean revitalisation for the city as well. It will impact on business, with young people coming it.
“It’s a cracking good move to incorporate the buildings as well.”
