Next phase of transformative St George’s city centre programme set to be agreed

City of Wolverhampton Council is set to agree Heads of Terms with Capital&Centric to deliver the next phase of the transformative St George’s city centre development programme.

Since autumn last year, the social impact developer has been working closely with the council to progress the winning design, produced by Mikhail Riches and Periscope architects’ practices, to turn the 5-acre former Sainsbury’s site and historic St George’s Church into a new neighbourhood.

A completed masterplan is now in place and, subject to approval by the council’s Cabinet on July 23 and Heads of Terms being agreed, Capital&Centric will develop RIBA 4 design drawings ready for the submission of a full planning application early next year, as well as construction drawings to support market engagement and procure a main works contractor.

If planning approval is secured, the proposal is for Capital&Centric to be appointed – through a conditional Development Agreement – to purchase and develop the site.

Capital&Centric are aiming to replicate the approach they have successfully delivered in other cities, attracting investment into imaginative and creative communities that feature restored historic buildings alongside contemporary new builds, as well as lush green public gardens.  

The intention for the former Sainsbury’s supermarket site is for a neighbourhood of hundreds of homes, community spaces and green streets, centred around a repurposed Grade II listed church. It is anticipated to feature shops, workspaces and commercial space, adding a vibrant new quarter to Wolverhampton’s city centre, with links to the £61million City Learning Quarter, which is set to open in autumn 2025.

Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said:

“St George’s is a fantastic opportunity to create a game-changing neighbourhood of which the city can be proud.

“It’s a critical part of our citywide plan to unlock investment in considered development that delivers much-needed homes and new opportunities for our communities.

“Capital&Centric have an excellent track record in delivering complex urban regeneration schemes and agreeing Heads of Terms with them will enable us to make a significant step towards progressing this exciting brownfield scheme so we can work together to get it to the point of delivery.”

John Moffat, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric, said:

“We’re buzzing to be taking the next big step at St George’s. This is a proper opportunity to do something bold, turning a tired corner of the city into a neighbourhood full of life, creativity and community.

“We’ve worked closely with the council and brilliant design team to cook up plans that bring together new homes, green streets, spaces to work and hang out, all centred around the stunning Grade II listed church. We’re doing something innovative here by repurposing a supermarket into new homes, something that’s not been done in the UK before. The revamp of St George’s will give Wolverhampton a new destination that feels distinctly its own, one that locals can be proud of and visitors want to explore.”