ECF backs good growth partnership at Wolverhampton business week
15.10.25 3 min read
ECF reinforced its long-term commitment to the regeneration of Wolverhampton at this year’s Business Week.
A platform designed to bring together the public and private sector to support investment and drive collaboration. Managing Director for the Midlands, Maggie Grogan, joined civic and industry leaders to discuss how ‘good growth’ can be delivered in practice.
It was a chance to reflect on ECF’s delivery of Wolverhampton’s largest brownfield regeneration opportunity, Smithgate – as part of the city and region’s wider growth strategy.
Maggie was joined by Richard Parker (Mayor of the West Midlands), Tim Johnson (Chief Executive, City of Wolverhampton Council), Dr Pete Cross (COO, University of Wolverhampton), and Neil Rami (Chief Executive, West Midlands Growth Company).
Maggie Grogan, Regional Managing Director - Muse Midlands
The city’s challenges are real – from skills gaps to ensuring all communities benefit from growth – but the opportunities are also clear.
A strong and strategic alignment between local, regional, and national Government, collaborative partnerships driving innovation, and strong local leadership are all underpinning private sector confidence.
The city, region – and private sector partners – are now working together to promote a coherent and common narrative which links Wolverhampton’s regeneration and growth vision with the West Midlands’ broader economic strategy.
Tim Johnson – Chief Executive, City of Wolverhampton Council said:
“Strong local governance enables quick decision-making, while academic and private partners bring expertise, agility, and innovation.”
Smithgate, which will deliver over 1,000 new homes, retail and public spaces, is at the centre of Wolverhampton’s vision.
It will bring families and young people back into the city centre and increase footfall to support new and established businesses, creating and hundreds of jobs directly.
The new city centre neighbourhood, which was granted planning consent earlier this year, will also help facilitate new investment in Market Square. It has the potential to become one of the city’s finest civic spaces – marking Smithgate as a catalyst for both civic and economic renewal.
Regeneration across the city is picking up pace. The City Learning Quarter, National Brownfield Institute, Green Innovation Corridor, and Central Edge – a plan for 17,000 jobs over the next decade – are being complemented with new neighbourhoods and homes across Wolverhampton.
Supported by Wolverhampton’s traditional strengths in advanced manufacturing, a growing visitor economy, and emerging specialisms in green technologies – the investment and growth potential of this city is huge.
Maggie Grogan, Managing Director – Midlands at Muse, said:
“The local authority wants to make things happen, to leverage the city’s connectivity by train, tram, and road, it’s rich culture, and its skills eco-system.”
“ECF has been at the centre of Wolverhampton’s growth strategy, and Smithgate is one of the city’s flagship regeneration opportunities. Smithgate will elevate the city centre offer, bringing people back to support jobs and opportunity for all.”
“Our combined challenge is ensuring all the benefits of growth reach those communities which need it most – whether that’s affordable homes, good jobs, or places to be proud of.”
“Wolverhampton is the right place to invest, and a city on the rise.”