Wolverhampton’s city centre is set for a significant transformation with a £470,000 refurbishment of the i10 office building, a crucial step in relocating the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) to the site.
The City of Wolverhampton Council has greenlit the ambitious refurbishment plan, demonstrating its commitment to economic development and job creation. The i10 building, located on Railway Drive adjacent to Wolverhampton’s railway station, originally opened in 2015 and is accompanied by the nearby i9 offices, which launched in 2021.
Work on the project is scheduled to begin in August, following the selection of a contractor, and is expected to be completed within three months.
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Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs, and skills, described the refurbishment as “absolutely vital” for securing high-quality employment opportunities in Wolverhampton. Speaking at the council meeting on April 22, he emphasized the importance of attracting and retaining major employers like the LGPS, noting the positive economic ripple effects these entities bring to cities nationwide.
“This is really fantastic for local people,” Burden said. “These are high-quality jobs at the heart of the Local Government Pension Scheme, an influential employer driving economic transformation across the country. We must ensure Wolverhampton is seen as a permanent home for such vital organisations.”
The refurbishment will not only prepare the i10 building for the LGPS relocation from the adjacent i9 site but will also pave the way for modernising the i9 offices to attract other leading businesses. Part of the £1.8 million investment includes £1.1 million dedicated to the LGPS move and £650,000 allocated to developing a new business lounge in the Railway Drive complex.
According to the council’s report, refurbishing the i10 building aligns with broader objectives to foster a thriving local economy by supporting startups, scaling local businesses, and drawing new investments that yield social and economic benefits.
The project aims to create high-quality, collaborative workspaces at the heart of Wolverhampton’s commercial district, supporting innovation and sustained economic growth in line with the council’s long-term strategic plan.