Type=image;ImageID=10051;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=New multi storey car park extension;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=10052;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=New multi storey car park extension;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=10053;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=New multi storey car park extension;TitleClass=strong;
The erection of the steel framework for the extension has started, with the project still on course to be completed by Christmas.
Work started in February on extending and refurbishing the current multi storey car park to increase its capacity from 450 to more than 800 long stay parking spaces.
The redevelopment is being carried out by Neptune Developments and Balfour Beatty on behalf of the Wolverhampton Interchange Partnership.
It will pave the way for the new state of the art railway station to be built and the Metro line extension, which will include a new stop at the station.
Councillor Peter Bilson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets, said: "Good progress is being made with the railway station car park.
"We have now reached an exciting part in the works, where the scale and size of the new multi storey extension will become visible to the public.
"Ultimately, as well as encouraging more investment and boosting prosperity in the city, the Interchange will become the gateway to the city for people arriving off the national rail network, by bus or Metro."
Steve Parry, Managing Director of Neptune Developments, added: "It is always pleasing to achieve these key construction milestones in line with the planned timescale.
"The construction of the extended car park and the new station forecourt is important as it will facilitate the construction of a new station building with much enhanced facilities for passengers and railway employees."
The redevelopment of the car park will include cycle and motorcycle parking, short stay and passenger drop off, as well as a taxi rank built adjacent to the existing multi storey, and the creation of a brand new entrance off Mill Street.
The entrance will be relocated to Mill Street to make way for the tram extension and allow Railway Drive to become more pedestrianised.
The medium term ambition is to build a new hotel on the land between Railway Drive and the car park which would effectively wrap around the existing frontage, creating a completely new view and a modern looking gateway to the new railway station.
"It's an exciting time as customers can now really start to see the new car park taking shape with the steel work going up," said Dave Whitehouse, Virgin Trains Interchange Project Manager Wolverhampton.
"We will be working hard to keep customers updated as work progresses and, along with our colleagues at London Midland, play our part in giving the city a station to be proud of."
- released: Wednesday 22 June, 2016