Local MP, Emma Reynolds has written to Lord Heseltine to support the Regional Growth Fund bid made by Wolverhampton City Council and its partners.Together with Neptune Developments, Centro, Network Rail, Virgin Trains and the Canal and River Trust, they are seeking to redevelop Wolverhampton train station as part of the Wolverhampton Interchange Commercial Gateway scheme. The bid has cross-party support from the three Wolverhampton MPs and will build on the investment already made in the new bus station and foot bridge.

Since the submission of the RGF4 bid, significant progress has been made by the stakeholders in moving the scheme forward. A Steering Group comprising senior representatives of the stakeholders meets regularly and agreement has been reached between Network Rail, Virgin and Centro, to enable the funding of the balance of the station and associated infrastructure works.

In her letter to Lord Heseltine Emma said:

“The current Transport Secretary described the train station as “awful” on a visit he made earlier this year and many would agree with those comments. The public and private partners involved are committed to making this project a great success. It is vital to revitalising the economic future of Wolverhampton, the reputation of one of our main gateways and the continued regeneration of the city centre.”

“Improved connectivity through state of the art bus, rail and tram transport facilities will have huge economic benefits way beyond the Commercial Gateway area and for this reason, the Black Country Local Economic Partnership has identified the scheme as a key priority and is supportive of this RGF4 bid which is also supported by Jaguar Land Rover as well as many other businesses and business leaders.”

May 2013