Latest news with #ChrisBurden
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
M&S confirms flagship store closure in major UK city as part of £500m plan
The store on Dudley Street, Wolverhampton, has been open since 1929 but has been performing 'less well' after not recovering fully from the Covid pandemic Marks and Spencer is closing one of its flagship department stores after almost 100 years. The store on Dudley Street, Wolverhampton, has been open since 1929 but has been performing "less well" after not recovering fully from the Covid pandemic. The supermarket chain has now launched a consultation with the affected workers at the store, the lease of which had been due to expire in 2027. Disappointed shoppers have been reacting to the news on social media. One person said: "It's the only reason to go into town." Another person commented: "Nail in the coffin." A third said: "Nothing to go to town for when it's gone!!" Calum Telford, regional manager at M&S, has explained the reasons behind the closure: "Our UK-wide store rotation programme is all about reshaping for growth and making sure every M&S store delivers the best possible shopping experience for our customers. "That's why we have made the tough decision to propose the closure of our Dudley Street store. Sadly, the store has been performing less well for a long period of time and has never fully recovered from the Covid pandemic. "We remain committed to Wolverhampton and are working closely with the city council to find a suitable alternative food location." He added: "I appreciate this will be disappointing news for customers who have shopped with us at the store over the years and I would like to thank them for their support. "Our priority is continuing conversations with colleagues about what this announcement means for them and if the proposals go ahead, we will offer them alternative roles at M&S wherever possible." It comes as part of wider plans announced by M&S in October 2022 to focus more on its food-only stores. M&S wants to reduce its "full line" stores from 247 to 180 by 2028, but will open 104 more Simply Food shops. M&S said it is investing almost £500million in its "store rotation programme" which will see 3,400 jobs being created. Councillor Chris Burden, Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, said: "We're obviously disappointed by the news but fully understand M&S's difficult decision was driven by wider, changing market conditions and customer behaviour. 'We're grateful to M&S officials for the opportunity to meet with them yesterday (Tuesday) and their commitment to work with us to support staff affected. "We were also extremely heartened to hear about their continued commitment to our city. The council have pledged to work with M&S to identify suitable locations that fit their new business model. 'In the meantime, we know how unsettling this will be for staff and the city council's Wolves at Work employment support team is poised to join forces with DWP and a range of city partners to support workers and their families."
BBC News
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Wolverhampton literary talent called to step into spotlight
A literature festival is calling for local talent to feature at its next Wolverhampton Literature Festival is looking for authors, poets and creatives to appear at the annual event on 6 February to 8 February 2026. Organisers have said submissions to feature as a creative, workshop facilitator or panellist are are also calling for people from around the country to apply to feature at the event that celebrates literature and the deadline for proposals is 17 August and must include the event title, contact details and a 250-word proposal. Councillor Chris Burden described the event as a "celebration of stories, voices, and creativity that bring our community together."He said: "Whether you are an emerging talent or a seasoned storyteller, we invite you to share your passion, challenge perspectives, and ignite must also include a budget breakdown and any technical requirements. It can be submitted through the events online form or as a five to ten minute audio or video entry by email. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
05-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Wolverhampton roadworks to last three months longer than planned
Roadworks in the centre of Wolverhampton will go on for three months longer than planned due to the need for emergency repairs.A six-month road closure on Darlington Street between Chapel Ash Island and Red Lion Street was due to end next month, but the council said it would now run until road was shut as part of a two-and-a-half-year £19m city-centre transformation scheme that began in companies had to intervene after recent excavations found a water main in poor condition, BT chambers that needed urgent work, and cellars that had to be filled to avoid subsidence, the council said. According to the authority, Severn Trent Water cannot start the mains work until the end of the month, a situation which has temporarily halted development on the southside delays were described by a spokesperson as "out of the council's and [developer] Taylor Woodrow's control"."We appreciate this is frustrating and we will continue to do everything in our power to minimise disruption caused by these unforeseen issues with utility providers," said the council's cabinet member for city development Chris added the works were the next steps in plans to "enable people to better enjoy our city centre" following improvements to North Street and Victoria Street. Pedestrian access to business would be maintained during the lengthened closure period, the council added the site works schedule had been adjusted and overall city centre improvements were still on course to be completed by summer revamp follows consultation with residents and businesses and aims to improve lighting, create more greenery and make the area easier to access for buses, cycles and taxis. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
First stage of city library improvements completed
The first stage of improvements to enhance public facilities at Wolverhampton's Central Library has been completed. The 1970s extension to the back of the library has been changed, providing two new first-floor offices, ground floor space for book deliveries, sorting and collections and other facilities. Adult Education Wolverhampton's Alan Garner Building on Old Hall Street is set to be refurbished and remodelled and there are plans to create a two-storey building to connect it to Central Library's 1930s extension. Work on restoring the front of the building and the roof of the Grade II*-listed library began in November. The improved facilities will sit alongside a new facility for City of Wolverhampton College currently being built on the site of the college's former Metro One campus and land on the corner of Garrick Street and Bilston Street. The first stage of improvements at the central library was finished as part of the £61m City Learning Quarter programme. Council cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills Chris Burden said changes to the library and adult education facilities were "integral to our City Learning Quarter vision alongside the new college campus being developed". "Together they will provide state-of-the-art facilities in the city centre and improve life chances for people of all ages through learning, apprenticeship and employment offers. "The restoration and development of the Grade II*-listed library and Adult Education building will enhance the offer for current users of these services and attract new users." Central Library and Adult Education Wolverhampton are continuing to operate during work, which is expected to be completed during the winter. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Library restoration scheme under way in city Library remains open as restoration work begins City of Wolverhampton Council
BBC News
28-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
First stage of Wolverhampton library improvements completed
The first stage of improvements to enhance public facilities at Wolverhampton's Central Library has been 1970s extension to the back of the library has been changed, providing two new first-floor offices, ground floor space for book deliveries, sorting and collections and other Education Wolverhampton's Alan Garner Building on Old Hall Street is set to be refurbished and remodelled and there are plans to create a two-storey building to connect it to Central Library's 1930s on restoring the front of the building and the roof of the Grade II*-listed library began in November. The improved facilities will sit alongside a new facility for City of Wolverhampton College currently being built on the site of the college's former Metro One campus and land on the corner of Garrick Street and Bilston first stage of improvements at the central library was finished as part of the £61m City Learning Quarter cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills Chris Burden said changes to the library and adult education facilities were "integral to our City Learning Quarter vision alongside the new college campus being developed"."Together they will provide state-of-the-art facilities in the city centre and improve life chances for people of all ages through learning, apprenticeship and employment offers."The restoration and development of the Grade II*-listed library and Adult Education building will enhance the offer for current users of these services and attract new users." Central Library and Adult Education Wolverhampton are continuing to operate during work, which is expected to be completed during the winter. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
