First look of major new Wolverhampton neighbourhood released
A FIRST look at designs for a new neighbourhood in Wolverhampton has been released ahead of a consultation event.
The team behind an architectural competition for the city’s St George’s site have revealed a sneak peek of the ideas put forward by four teams of competing architects.
The artist impressions come ahead of a free event on Wednesday 17 July 2024, where the teams will present their ideas for the 5 acre brownfield plot to local residents and groups. Members of the public will be able to ask questions and give their feedback, which will influence a decision on which idea to eventually go forward.
City of Wolverhampton Council, social impact developers Capital&Centric and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) are collaborating on the landmark competition, which sees award-winning architects practices turn their attention to the city.
Each were given a brief to create a diverse and inclusive neighbourhood, with new homes, workspaces, facilities for locals and flexible outdoors spaces where the community can come together. New first look images show how the 12-practices (forming four teams) have responded, with the retained and repurposed St George’s church at the heart of each vision.
The teams are:
Team 1 – Henley Halebrown, Studio Weave and APPARATA [three practices]
Team 2 - Mikhail Riches and Periscope [two practices]
Team 3 - Ash Sakula, Turner Works and Archio [three practices]
Team 4 - Metropolitan Workshop, Studio Bark, Mole and Jan Kattein Architects [four practices]
The teams will each pitch their ideas at Wulfrun Hall, University of Wolverhampton at the Halls, North Street, Wolverhampton on Wednesday 17 July 2024, with a slot at either 3pm or 5.30pm. Locals are encouraged to register in advance: https://stgeorges.eventbrite.co.uk/
John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said:
“It’s not long until the shortlisted teams unveil their ideas to the city, so we wanted to give a sneak peek of what’s in store. It’s fascinating to see how each group has interpreted the brief for the neighbourhood in their own unique way. We’re looking forward to revealing more and striking up conversations with locals about which one catches their eye.
“St George’s is a major opportunity to create a creative and aspirational neighbourhood to add to the fabric of the city centre, so it’s brilliant to have some of the UK’s leading architects on board as part of this RIBA-endorsed competition.”
The RIBA contest launched earlier this year, with a long list whittled down to a shortlist of four competition teams. Following the competition, the chosen design will be subject to more detailed design work, with Capital&Centric expecting to submit planning applications to the council later this year.