Project Details

IPW advised Wolverhampton City Council on the project to re-open the Wolverhampton Civic Halls, which re-opened in May 2023 following a £48 million refurbishment programme to ensure the 85 year old Grade II listed building remained part of the city’s fabric for generations to come.

We initially advised the Council on the key strategic and financial implications of different management options. We then studied the venue from an operational perspective to identify the capacities and best use of spaces within the venue, and their implications on the Council’s Business Case. We subsequently managed a competitive process to select an operating partner on a long-term lease, selecting AEG Presents.

IPW were then retained by the Council to manage the interface between the Council, contractor, design team and operator, giving strategic insight. This appointment was then extended during operator led, post-handover internal renovations to the front of house bars and kitchen fitouts, all of this enabling the venue to open as soon as possible and providing a venue that offers both the very best facilities, as well as first rate acoustics.

The Halls Wolverhampton Highly Commended at Constructing Excellence Awards

“The 3,404 capacity ‘The Civic at The Halls Wolverhampton’ and 1,289 ‘The Wulfrun at The Halls Wolverhampton’ is providing a major uplift to the city centre economy, hosting leading music and entertainment performers, as well as business events and conferences.

It is estimated it will attract more than 300,000 visitors a year to the city, boosting the local economy by over £10million annually.

This well deserved Constructing Excellence honour comes on the back of excellent feedback during the first year of the new look Halls from artists, managers, agents, promoters and ticket holders – helping raise the city’s national and international profile.”

07 May 2024

Project Leads

Nick Russell
Director

Stewart Nicholson
Associate Director