Restaurant Skalsa is the latest new business to start up in the Southside area of the city, after opening its doors in Cleveland Parade, Cleveland Street.
The eatery, which specialises in Eastern European and continental dishes, moved into the final, unoccupied unit of the parade following a refurbishment carried out by Wolverhampton City Council as part of the Southside Intervention Plan.
The plan was devised 3 years ago as a critical response to address the issues in the former Summer Row area and take a fresh approach to regeneration.
Significant progress has been made in attracting new businesses, aiding existing traders and addressing derelict and eyesore properties.
A number of properties have been purchased and refurbished which has resulted in 10 new businesses opening and new leases being agreed with 15 existing traders.
Grants have been used for refurbishing 22 existing businesses, helping them relocate, to purchase new equipment such as computers and new signage and diversifying their business.
And properties that were in a particularly poor condition have been demolished to help improve the appearance and security of the area - such as the demolition of 31 Cleveland Street and the subsequent creation of a small car park which is set to be let to a local business.
Andrius Anuska, who owns Restaurant Skalsa, said: "It is early days but the restaurant is doing well and we are attracting customers from across the Midlands.
"It is a challenge for any new business starting up anywhere but we are confident for the future.
"We also received a lot of support from the council, which we are very grateful for, and it is refreshing to see so many new businesses opening up in the area."
Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: "I am delighted to welcome Andrius and Restaurant Skalsa into the area.
"We have seen some significant positive changes to the Southside area since the plan was launched and it is extremely pleasing to see so many new, independent businesses such as this one open in the area.
"The aim was to breathe new life into this part of the city and we are certainly helping to achieve that."
- released: Friday 11 April, 2014