Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East,  Emma Reynolds, has called on the Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, to put his money where his mouth is and pledge to support plans to redevelop Wolverhampton train station, given that on a recent visit to the city he described the station as “awful”.A £13.1m bid to redevelop the train station and the surrounding area has been submitted to fourth round of the government’s Regional Growth Fund in the name of Wolverhampton Council’s private sector development partner, Neptune Developments Limited. The scheme is already backed by the City’s three MPs, Wolverhampton City Council, Neptune Developments, Centro, Network Rail, Virgin Trains and the Canal and River Trust.

The RGF4 grant would enable completion of the city centre’s multi-modal interchange through part funding a new railway station, multi-storey car park and associated infrastructure works which will create up to 1500 jobs.

Speaking today in Parliament, Emma asked, “On a recent visit to Wolverhampton, the Transport Secretary described Wolverhampton train station as “awful” – a description with which I agree. Given that the Department for Transport contributes significantly to the Regional Growth Fund, can I have an assurance that the Minister is supporting the Regional Growth Fund bid submitted by the City Council and it’s private sector partners to rebuild the train station and regenerate the surrounding area?”

Speaking afterwards, Emma said, “The public and private partners involved in the RGF4 bid are committed to making this project a great success. Rebuilding Wolverhampton train station is vital to the economic future of Wolverhampton, our reputation and the continued regeneration of the city centre.”

July 2013