A new road at the former Royal Hospital, on the prestigious Royal Quarter housing development, has been named Neville Patten Gardens – after the late Honorary Alderman Neville Patten.
His daughter Sharon Plested said it honours her father’s ‘lasting legacy’ in Wolverhampton and will be a cherished memory for his family following his death in 2020.
Sharon said: “Dad was a proud Wulfrunian and was dedicated to serving his home city along with the support of his late wife, our mum, Alderman
Councillor Patricia Patten. It is fitting to be honoured in the centre of the city he grew up in and served as Alderman and councillor.
“We think he would approve of the location next to the historic building of the former Royal Hospital which was also dedicated to the people of Wolverhampton - and where I completed my nursing training.
“This will mark his lasting legacy and memory for us as a family. We are all very proud of his achievements.”
Mr Patten stepped down from City of Wolverhampton Council in May 2014 after more than 2 decades’ distinguished service, being made an Honorary Alderman in the same year.
He was a dedicated councillor for Oxley Park and Bushbury North wards and was leader of the council from 2008 to 2010 and leader of the Conservative Group from 2008 to 2014.
He served on numerous council bodies over the years, including roles as chair of highways and transportation and vice chair of the scrutiny board, among many others.
Sharon and her son Tom were joined by her brother Lee Patten and his son Callum to see the new street name bearing Neville’s name unveiled.
The Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Linda Leach, leader of City of Wolverhampton Council Councillor Stephen Simkins, Conservative leader of the opposition Councillor Simon Bennett and fellow Bushbury North ward councillors were also in attendance alongside whg’s director of stronger communities, Connie Jennings.
Councillor Leach, Mayor of Wolverhampton, said: “Neville Patten gave so many years’ of dedicated service to the people of Wolverhampton and it is fitting that this new road is being named in his honour so that his legacy will live on for current and future generations.
“Both he and his beloved wife Pat set a shining example for others to follow regarding duty, service and a dedication to civic life. I was honoured to be invited to see the unveiling of this newly named road alongside members of the Patten family and I know it meant a great deal to them.”
Leader of the council Councillor Simkins, said: “This is a poignant way to recognise the contribution of a proud and long serving servant of Wolverhampton in the heart of the city he gave so many years to.
“I am sure his family are rightly proud to see this fitting tribute in place to honour his achievements and dedication to the city.”
Councillor Bennett said: “Neville was a true and proud Wulfrunian. He optimised service to his community; a former apprentice at Guy Motors, he ran a pub, a newsagent and drove buses before serving on the council for decades as a Conservative councillor.
“He was a fountain of knowledge and advice to me as a new councillor, and formidable in his passion for local politics. A great friend and colleague.
“Wolverhampton was him and he was Wolverhampton, so it is fitting and right that we celebrate Neville and everything he gave to this city.
“This will be a lasting mark in his memory and I’m extremely proud to be able to celebrate this as a Bushbury North ward councillor, building on his legacy.”
The council has worked closely with whg and Morro Partnerships on the development of the Royal Quarter in and around the historic Grade II-listed former Royal Hospital building - providing a new gateway to the city centre.
