Hub to provide support during city centre works

Eleanor Lawson
BBC News, West Midlands
City of Wolverhampton Council A woman and three men stand together outside the Urban Room in Wolverhampton city centre. Two of them touch a white sign saying 'Taylor Woodrow Information Hub' on it. The woman wears an orange hi-vis jacket and two of the men also wear hi-vis clothing. The other man is in a light coloured shirt with a white T-shirt underneath and brown trousers. City of Wolverhampton Council
The Urban Room will give information and support to people regarding the ongoing £19m improvement works in Wolverhampton city centre

An interactive hub has opened to give people information and support in regard to ongoing £19m improvement works in Wolverhampton city centre.

The two-and-a-half year transformation of the city centre began in January, with works underway on Darlington Street and set to move onto Lichfield Street and Queen Square.

The council has now announced the opening of the Urban Room, a hub providing drop in sessions at set times, pre-booked meeting opportunities, and direct assistance from council staff and contractor Taylor Woodrow.

The first sessions will take place between 12:00 BST and 13:30 BST on Tuesdays, with the plan to increase the number of sessions over time.

According to the council, the sessions will give businesses, residents and visitors access to information about the scheme and dedicated support for any concerns or issues they have.

The £19m transformation is the third and final phase of the council's city centre improvements programme, following completed schemes in the Victoria Street and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls areas.

City of Wolverhampton Council A CGI image showing what the final outcome of the city centre works could be. They show two cycle lanes with a verge between them filled with plants. People walk down the pavements next to the bicycle lanes and there are shops on one side.City of Wolverhampton Council
The £19m transformation works are expected to last for two and a half years

Councillor Chris Burden, the council's cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, said: "We want people to enjoy our city centre from the moment they arrive, and these works are the next step in our transformation plans that are delivering positive outcomes.

"This is a scheme for everyone, and the Urban Room is another way we are connecting with businesses, residents and visitors to ensure they are supported during the works and fully understand it so they can maximise the opportunities it presents to them."

Stuart Townsend, Taylor Woodrow operations manager, said: "During these sessions, we will showcase drawings of the scheme, have updates on our social value projects locally, and we will be displaying information, including a video about the scheme.

"Additionally, we will provide information about our chosen charities, The Way Youth Project Board, and have brochures available for career opportunities."

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