'Final piece of jigsaw' for learning quarter scheme

Restoration and remodelling work on Wolverhampton's Central Library and neighbouring adult education facilities has finished, marking the completion of the city's new £61m Learning Quarter.

Improved classroom space and a new teaching kitchen has been created at Adult Education Wolverhampton's Alan Garner building on Old Hall Street as well as a glass building connecting it to Central Library, the city council said.

The library's roof has been replaced along with heritage restoration and new flooring and internal remodelling.

The overall project has been built in phases and includes the City of Wolverhampton College's multimillion-pound campus which opened to students in November.

The college has predicted that over a 10 year period about 45,000 people will benefit from learning at the City Learning Quarter and about 7,500 apprenticeships will be started.

An £8.1m Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the college's Wellington Road campus opened to students in September 2024.

The latest work was the final piece in the jigsaw, council leader Stephen Simkins said.

"It enhances the offer for current users of these services and will attract new users, providing an inspirational learning environment that is easy to reach by bus, rail, tram and bicycle," he said.

"The improved library and adult education building, alongside the new college campus, that opened to students in November, provide state-of-the-art facilities in the city centre that will improve life chances for people of all ages through learning, apprenticeship and employment offers."

Warinder Juss, Wolverhampton West MP, said the completion of the quarter was "a fantastic milestone" for Wolverhampton.

"This investment in our college, library and adult education facilities will open new opportunities for people of all ages to learn new skills, access better jobs, and fulfil their potential. It is a major vote of confidence in our city's future."

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