Construction has officially begun on the £150 million Canalside South scheme in Wolverhampton, a major redevelopment project backed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The 17.5-acre site, which has remained derelict for the past 15 years, will be transformed into a vibrant mixed-use community with over 530 energy-efficient homes, alongside new commercial and community amenities.

Wavensmere Homes is leading the redevelopment in partnership with the City of Wolverhampton Council and the Canal & River Trust. Located off Qualcast Road, just moments from the city’s transport interchange, the site boasts a prime waterside position, offering frontage onto both the Wyrley & Essington Canal and the Wolverhampton Branch of the Birmingham Main Line Canal.

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The initial site enabling works have already begun, with full groundworks scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2025. The development will be delivered in three phases, progressing from east to west to minimise disruption to the surrounding community and ensure timely delivery of infrastructure and amenities.

The WMCA has provided a £20 million loan facility to help fund the £150 million redevelopment, which will include 109 affordable homes. Phase one will deliver 153 contemporary two- and three-bedroom houses, with completion expected by the second quarter of 2027. Access to the first two phases will be via Qualcast Road, which will serve as the primary spine road, connecting all secondary routes within the development. Phase three will be accessible via Bailey Street and fully integrated into the wider road network, ensuring efficient traffic flow.

The entire regeneration project is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2031, bringing hundreds of new homes to the heart of Wolverhampton and helping to revitalize a key part of the city.