Latest news with #Wolverhampton
BBC News
2 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Wolverhampton mosque-site nursery plan approved
Plans for a two-storey nursery on the site of a Wolverhampton mosque have been approved by the backing comes after confirmation the opening hours at the Staveley House nursery would not clash with the mosque's peak-time use, the authority proposal has also been amended, to make the nursery element of the building on Great Hampton Street was "completely separate from the mosque".Permission was granted subject to conditions, including that the premises should only be used as a nursery between 08:30 and 16:00 from Monday to Friday, and not during weekends and bank/public holidays. There should also be no more than 20 children there at any one time and the number of staff would not exceed four, the authority making its decision to approve the plan, it said it had confirmed the development would be of an appropriate design, scale and appearance "that would not have an adverse impact" on the area's include making sure external materials used in the development should match those of "the existing building in size, colour, form and texture".No construction operations, including site clearance work, delivering building materials and removing waste, should take place other than between 07:00 and 09:30 and 15:00 and 17:30 from Monday to Friday and 07:00 to 09:30 on should be no such construction work on Sundays or bank/public holidays, the council said. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
10 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Tettenhall business owners claim Wolverhampton can learn from them
"It's often said we're full of cafes, hairdressers and estate agents," laughs Kevin Allen. The businessman is talking about Tettenhall, a green and leafy village which is among the most affluent places in Wolverhampton. The 66-year-old is the owner of Gluttons for Nourishment, a bustling boutique establishment, popular among locals for fresh cakes and afternoon he and other traders don't just cater to the wealthy. They believe the area's diverse retail offering is something other places could learn from. High streets across the UK have found themselves plagued by empty shops. According to some estimates in 2024, one in seven are thought to be shuttered. In Wolverhampton, this is perhaps best symbolised by city landmark Beatties, left empty in 2020 after more than 140 years. Plans have been approved to redevelop the site, with new shops, restaurants and cafes hoping to "re-energise" the however, has no such problems, locals claim. Mr Allan, 66, said he had sought the village out before opening his restaurant, knowing it was a good place to do business. "We wanted something in Tettenhall," he explained."It has proved to be the correct decision." Chris Wyer, who owns Baked in Tettenhall, has become used to serving famous faces. The village is thought to be home to several Wolverhampton Wanderers players while cycling champion Hugh Porter is also a regular customer. The 45-year-old said he was proud to run what he claimed was the only bakery in the city producing real bread without additives or processing aids. He said he believed businesses like his made the area stand out, at a time where other places were struggling. "It's a challenging time for the big city centres," Mr Wyer said. "Customers are longing for something that is a little bit different [and] for us that has been a positive." Mark Hodgkiss has run Tettenhall's Mode Menswear for seven years. He claimed any empty units were snapped up almost immediately, with people even asking him to keep an eye out in case any became available. He also believes lessons can be learned from Tettenhall and said it showed how retailers could succeed. "It's the kind of shops, customer service and environment that's here," he explained. "Walk around Wolverhampton and there's loads of boarded-up shops. You walk around Tettenhall and there isn't. "If you get the units filled with the right things [you will] encourage footfall and growth into the city centre." City and regional leaders are working to regenerate large swathes of say it is going through "significant transformation", with millions poured in to transform the city centre and surrounding towns. In February 2024, the City of Wolverhampton Council launched a taskforce to monitor empty buildings and bring them back into use. "The benefits of reusing empty buildings and developing vacant sites are considerable, including the provision of new jobs and homes," said council leader Stephen Simkins. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
10 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
First works to begin on Wednesfield High Street's £3m revamp
A £3m regeneration scheme aimed at better connecting areas of a town will get under way with initial works next Taylor Woodrow will start investigations towards the design of the scheme for Wednesfield High Street, City of Wolverhampton Council construction work will then start later this year, with the project to include paving, lighting and seating work, along with improved pedestrian crossings. Drains inspections and other surveys are set to take place from Monday to Friday with no changes to traffic and pedestrian routes. Improvements would help the area by making it more attractive to shoppers and visitors, the council have been given funding by the government for the project and a spokesperson said there have been "extensive consultation and engagement" with people in the area and traders. Among the improvements of the £3m plan will be better access for pedestrians across the will also be better access and signs from car parks, especially through Bealeys Fold, where better paving, landscaping and lighting would help "draw people into the heart of the High Street", the council plans include creating new events and activity space to further benefit the street and people in the Bhupinder Gakhal said, when the scheme was finished, the authority hoped the changes would boost the local and signs will be in place to create space for the initial survey work next week. Ian Wright, 67, who has lived in Wednesfield for 60 years, when asked about the plans this week, told the BBC the market was becoming smaller."It can be a bit rough in places," he said. "It's probably in the evening though."In February, police patrols were stepped up at Bentley Bridge after reports of anti-social Norma Thompson, 84, who grew up in Jamaica and has called Wednesfield her home since 1963, said everyone was friendly and "everything is here".She said convenience, transport links and safety already made the town an enjoyable place to live, with her only gripe being a lack of shops selling women's clothing."The buses run through to Wolverhampton and we can walk anywhere at night without any problems," she stated."I love Wednesfield and the people." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
Wolverhampton toy firm targets global growth after investment
A Wolverhampton toy company is aiming to expand its global reach after securing an investment part of the deal Wow! Stuff is now part of the Troy Companies director Dawn Lavalette will continue to lead the firm and co-founder Richard North is to remain as president and become an investor in Troy Stuff said the investment allowed the business to extend its presence across Europe and accelerate growth in the US and other global markets. Ms Lavalette said the business, which is based at the University of Wolverhampton Science Park, was better positioned than ever to expand globally and "scale our creative and commercial operations". Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Bilston Town FC: 'Fan ownership puts a ring of steel around us'
Behind an orange fence off the Black Country route sits one of Wolverhampton's oldest football clubs. Non-league Bilston Town may have been formed in 1894, but vice chairman Jay Morgan wants it fit for the future. He hopes a move to a fan-owned model will help it thrive, putting a "ring of steel" around the club to secure its future. "We've shareholders across the UK but from all over the world who have chipped in a tenner or various amounts," he explained. "It means we are offering the club back to the community." When the news was first reported in December, bosses said it would become the first club in the West Midlands with such an ownership model. Connect clubs to communities In practice, it means a democratic board with fans given voting rights over how things are run. AFC Wimbledon and FC United of Manchester are among those who have adopted similar structures. Proponents believe it can help connect clubs to the wider community and make them more sustainable. Like many in the lower tiers, Bilston Town has a history of ups and downs with financial struggles along the way. The one constant though, according to Mr Morgan, is the "tremendous support" of fans. Bilston have recently expanded their women and youth sides and hope more followers of top-flight Wolverhampton Wanderers will adopt them as their second team. "We want the community to come down to Bilston knowing it is value for money and they are watching a good game of football in a safe and secure environment," the 49-year-old added. "There's nothing better than coming down and supporting your local football team." Mr Morgan also hopes the club will benefit from increased investment in the town of Bilston, including £20m for improvement works to its said visitors could always enjoy a "very warm welcome" and he would be delighted if 10% of those who went to the market also came down to a match. "We are a traditional Black Country town," he added. "I don't think you will ever change it, but why would you want to change it?" Kim Griffiths recently became a fan of Bilston Town and has since followed the club home and away with trips to Leicester and Coventry. The 63-year-old has lived in the area all her life and is also a passionate supporter of the Wolves women's team. But she said it was difficult to beat the value and family atmosphere of the non-league club. "You might not get the result you want every week, but you have a good time," she said. "Bilston is a good place to be. There's lots of things to be proud of about Bilston." Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
