HCA buys stalled Wolverhampton Tesco supermarket site

The Homes and Communities Agency has bought Wolverhampton’s former Royal Hospital site from Tesco.

Bowmer and Kirkland was lined up to redevelop the site for the supermarket giant creating a flagship superstore in the heart of Wolverhampton.

But the £65m redevelopment was pulled at the start of last year while B&K was stripping out the buildings after Tesco suffered a sharp downturn in sales.

The 12.5 acres, which also comprises the former bus depot and further development land, will now be developed out by the HCA.

A fresh scheme will be predominately residential-led with a possible new campus for Wolverhampton College, utilising the listed former hospital buildings.

Karl Tupling, the HCA’s executive director for the Midlands, said: “We look forward to working in partnership with the City of Wolverhampton Council to secure a planning consent on the site which will deliver much needed housing, including starter homes, and potentially a new campus for the college.

“We believe the Royal Hospital site will transform this gateway into an inviting new approach into the city centre.”

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to announce the sale of the former Royal Hospital site to the HCA, which will bring forward investment for both the local community and the City of Wolverhampton.”

Ref: Construction Enquirer
14/03/16