Type=image;ImageID=13077;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Bankfield Road venue is set to be called 'White Rabbit';TitleClass=strong;
The Bankfield Road venue is set to be called 'White Rabbit', a nod to the mining heritage of Bilston and the surrounding areas during the 18th century.
The name, which was chosen by Marston's, came from local accounts from the time stating that miners were said to be haunted by an evil spirit causing great danger at the mines for the workers. The leader who was deeply troubled by this, instigated a ceremony to ask for protection and guidance from the 'White Rabbit', a symbolic white witch figure who protected the miners and banished the evil spirit for good.
Creating up to 45 new jobs, the pub is expected to open in early October and will include a spacious garden area and designated car park of over 60 spaces.
Mark Griffiths, Area Operations Manager for Marston's Inns and Taverns, said: "This area is the heartland for Marston's so we are really excited to be part of this development.
"The pub is an extension of people's lives so we are happy that we can embrace this, and provide the community with a place they can enjoy for all occasions."
The pub will provide a new town centre destination, and fits in with Bilston Urban Village's key objective to enhance Bilston as a place to live, work, invest and visit, supporting the quality and range of facilities available within the town.
It will sit between the Bert Williams Leisure Centre and Morrisons supermarket.
Keren Jones, City of Wolverhampton Council Director for City Economy, said: "Bilston Urban Village and Bilston Town Centre are part of the council's wider city regeneration priorities.
"The Marston's development further strengthens this significant scheme and we are delighted a global business made in Wolverhampton has chosen to invest in this project, which will deliver jobs for local people."
The Bilston Urban Village advanced works programme to remediate 27 acres of brownfield land for residential use was completed in June 2016.
The advanced works programme was undertaken by the council, with additional funding from the Homes and Communities Agency and Local Enterprise Partnership.
It saw a major programme of site clearance, former factory floors broken up and the old railway embankment removed as the site was levelled. New roads and drainage were also installed.
The first houses have already been built and the developed brownfield land will also include extensive areas of open space, footpaths and a water feature.
The first phase of Bilston Urban Village produced significant investment in the building of the Bert Williams Leisure Centre and South Wolverhampton and Bilston Academy - improving health and increasing opportunities. The commercial development plot fronting the Black Country Route and the direct pedestrian linkage of the site with the town centre was also created.
- released: Thursday 8 June, 2017