Site clearance completed at Springfield Campus

Site clearance works have completed at part of the Springfield Campus, within the historic former Mitchells & Butlers Brewery site, marking another milestone in the development of Wolverhampton’s ambitious Green Innovation Corridor (GIC).  

The GIC - a major regeneration initiative led jointly by the University of Wolverhampton and City of Wolverhampton Council - connects key assets at the university’s Springfield Campus, Science Park, and the i54 advanced manufacturing business park – the country’s most successful Enterprise Zone.

It is designed to drive innovation, support the transition to net zero and create new opportunities for skills development, research collaboration and business growth, with Springfield Campus acting as a major hub for activity.

To prepare the site for future redevelopment, early design stages have now been completed, alongside internal strip-out works and the safe removal of asbestos. Contractors have also completed the clearance of a later single-storey extension, allowing the historic building to be sensitively adapted for its next phase of use as a state-of-the-art engineering tech hub.

Structural and enabling works, including the installation of new foundations, are due to begin shortly. The construction work is expected to complete by the end of 2026.

Dr Pete Cross, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Wolverhampton, said:

“This is an important step forward in the transformation of Springfield Campus and in delivering our long‑term vision for the Green Innovation Corridor. By carefully preparing and adapting this historic site, we are creating the foundations for future teaching, research and innovation that will support new skills, collaboration with industry and our shared ambitions around sustainability and net zero.”

Councillor Stephen Simkins, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, said:

“The transformation of this vacant heritage building into a new teaching facility, will significantly contribute to the furthering of the wider campus’ capabilities, its reputation and its magnetism as a tech hub for the Black Country and West Midlands

“It will act as a gateway for and support the ambitions of the Wolverhampton Green Innovation Corridor, delivering long-term cultural, educational, and environmental benefits.

“The GIC will build upon Wolverhampton’s sustainable construction, green credentials and circular economy, helping create quality jobs and training opportunities for local people.”

GIC will boast new commercial and business opportunities for development, incubation space, grow-on space for SMEs and space for larger use – all helping to create and safeguard jobs for local people.

The corridor, which will be delivered in phases, is backed by £27million capital funding from UK Government and the West Midlands Combined Authority and holds West Midlands Investment Zone status to attract further investment and create jobs focused on green construction, engineering, and digital technologies. 

Photo caption: Dr Pete Cross, Chief Operating Officer, University of Wolverhampton and Cllr Stephen Simkin,  Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council at Springfield Campus