Wolverhampton City Council is calling for interested parties to bring forward proposals for a striking and landmark residential ‘gateway’ development which will help improve the image of the area, providing a flagship scheme and assisting in the wider regeneration of Wolverhampton.

The 1.4 hectare (3.46 acre) Portobello site is some 3.5 miles east of Wolverhampton city centre and occupies a prominent position on the border between Wolverhampton and Walsall, acting as a gateway into both areas. The brownfield site has already been prepared for redevelopment with the recent demolition of three outdated 1960s high-rise blocks and the imminent removal of the remaining low rise block which housed shops and maisonettes.

This exciting neighbourhood renewal project will bring about a new high-quality residential scheme with a mixture of housing and apartments, including up to 30 per cent affordable housing, landscaped communal open spaces and play facilities and parking. Sustainability will play a key role in the development and the residential element is expected to achieve a 4 star rating in the new Code for Sustainable Homes.

Property consultants Bruton Knowles is marketing the site for Wolverhampton City Council and is inviting proposals from developers. Bruton Knowles’ Ian Mercer says: “This is a strategic regeneration project which will bring improved quality of life for the community and assist in the regeneration of the city. It offers an excellent opportunity for a developer to create an innovative, sustainable and landmark scheme which will invigorate the area. 

“The site’s prominent road frontage provides huge scope to incorporate a landmark design statement at the city boundary which will uplift the gateway, provide a fitting first impression of Wolverhampton and set the tone for subsequent new development in the area. We would like to hear from quality residential developers, particularly those who can demonstrate knowledge of and empathy with neighbourhood renewal projects.” 

left to right: Ian Mercer with Simon Lucas regeneration officer for Wolverhampton City Council and Sheila Dixon estates officer for Wolverhampton City Council.

Portobello is an area steeped in industrial history whose routes go back to the lock making industry and also coal mining during the nineteeth century.  Today, Portobello sits at the heart of the Wolverhampton, Walsall and South Staffordshire Regeneration Zone established by Advantage West Midlands to encourage investment opportunities, wealth creation and community regeneration.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Enterprise at Wolverhampton City Council comments: “The redevelopment of Portobello plays a key part in the Wolverhampton Community Plan (2002-2012) which represents a vision of how the quality of Wolverhampton can be improved over the next ten years. Its redevelopment is one of a number of significant housing-led regeneration opportunities within the A454 Willenhall Road Corridor, including several key developments within the Canalside Quarter. The opportunity at Portobello is to build on these achievements and at the same time aim for a higher quality of development in terms of sustainability and environmental performance.”

The Portobello site is bounded on the north by the A454 which is the main arterial route linking Wolverhampton to the M6 motorway. Access to junction 2 of the M5 is just nine miles away via the Birmingham New Road.

The site is being marketed through Bruton Knowles property agents. Contact Ian Mercer or Greg Shutt at Bruton Knowles on 0121 200 1100 or visit the website after the launch in September 2007 www.portobellosite.co.uk.