Catella APAM gets green light for Wolverhampton leisure hub
Plans to create a new leisure hub at the Mander Centre in Wolverhampton have been given the go-ahead by councillors.
Submitted by real estate and investment manager Catella APAM, the proposals outline the creation of a new mixed-use concept venue from entertainment and leisure operator Superbowl UK. This will open in early 2025 and include 12 bowling lanes, a soft play area, interactive darts, a bar and diner, and a SEGA Prize Zone Arcade.
Superbowl UK’s plans to bring the empty retail space back to life align with the council’s vision for the city centre, with a focus on better connectivity, more homes, jobs, skills and learning opportunities, and investment in the visitor economy.
The development will be set over 17,000 sq ft across multiple units, and will enable an estimated £500,000 of landlord works to be completed by Catella APAM’s retrofit and principal contracting business, Vantage.
Harry Wilce, asset manager at Catella APAM, said: “We are delighted to welcome Superbowl UK to the Mander Centre as the main anchor for our leisure offer to improve the customer offer at the centre and extend the operating hours, generating significant increase in footfall for the city centre.”
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, added: “This is exactly the type of new development our extensive works on Victoria Street were designed to attract and it will be great to see works starting on site soon now that planning approval has been granted.
“The scheme provides a major boost to the city centre’s leisure offer for residents and visitors, creates jobs for local people, increases footfall and dwell time to support current and emerging businesses, and complements plans coming forward for major regeneration around the Market Square area in partnership with the ECF (a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse).
“The Superbowl UK investment, will ensure the currently vacant retail space will be occupied, boosting the local economy, and creating 30 new job opportunities for residents, including management positions and guest experience hosts.
“The development will also serve as a catalyst for further investment, and the council continues to work with Catella APAM on attracting other new leisure and food and beverage occupiers, to capitalise on their confidence in the city.”