CN looks at the resurgence in the Black Country that is seeing a former industrial heartland now powering up for big events

olverhampton has the kudos of being home to the first UK ministerial office outside of Westminster , with the Ministry for Housing , Communities and Local Government moving ( in 2021 ) to the eye-catching i9 building at the heart of Wolverhampton ’ s emerging commercial district .

The city is steeped in history . Home to the first traffic lights and one of the world ’ s oldest professional football teams , Wolverhampton also played a key part in pioneering the heavy metal music scene . Wolverhampton sits in the heart of

the Black Country , to the north-west of Birmingham and enjoys similar excellent transport links . Wolverhampton ’ s award-winning £ 150m ($ 185.4m ) Interchange of train , tram and bus , even has one of the city ’ s historic venues capable of hosting over 1,000 delegates , right next to it : Grand Station .

Venues within a walk Once you arrive , the city is extremely walkable and the majority of conference venues across Wolverhampton are within walking distance from the train station / interchange . And you can reach Birmingham Airport via train in just under 45 minutes .

AEG Presents – part of the AEG global sports , entertainment and venue operator family – beat off strong competition to secure a long-term deal

Below : Molineux Stadium , home of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC since 1889

to operate Wolverhampton ’ s Civic Halls on a 25-year lease . The iconic city centre venue reopened as the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls in May 2023 following a major multi-million-pound refurbishment programme and is again hosting leading musical and entertainment acts like Bob Dylan , Blur and Penn & Teller , as well as being an ideal host for a range of consumer , corporate , award ceremonies and trade events . The venue offers over 1,000sqm of flexible floor space across the Civic and Wulfrun Halls , plus a range of breakout spaces of varying sizes .

Councillor Chris Burden comments on the major investment in The University of Wolverhampton at The Halls . “ The refurbishment means that the venue is being used more extensively for daytime conference and exhibition activity , which it struggled to do in the past . It is an integral part of Wolverhampton ’ s entertainment and music heritage and an important part of our visitor economy , making it a keystone of the council ’ s wider plans to reimagine the city centre , create local jobs and grow vital local businesses .”

Putting some drama into the delegate experience is the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre , which has capacity for 1,200 for conferences and presentations .

Wolverhampton Art Gallery is another venue offering a historic and cultural location for events , corporate meetings , away days , training and functions . Designed by Julius Chatwin and built in 1884 with Bath stone to house the city ’ s art collection , the Grade II-listed gallery now boasts a variety of classic