‘Collab Hub’ in Wolverhampton city centre is about ‘working shoulder to shoulder with our local councils,’ says Parker
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has launched a new office base in Wolverhampton to bring his team closer to Black Country communities.
The ‘Collab Hub’, situated in the Wolverhampton city centre, has opened on a trial basis through an agreement between the Mayor, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the city council.
It will enable WMCA officers to work alongside council staff and partners on initiatives aimed at raising living standards for local residents.
The move fulfils a manifesto commitment by Parker to foster greater collaboration across the region and establish operational bases beyond Birmingham.
If Wolverhampton hub succeeds, others could pop up
The council is providing the space free of charge. If the trial succeeds, similar hubs could be introduced elsewhere in the West Midlands.
The hub occupies first-floor premises in St Peter’s Square, accommodating the Mayor and up to ten WMCA employees. In exchange, the WMCA is offering space at its Birmingham headquarters for visiting council staff.
The Civic Centre already hosts co-located partners, including the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board and more than 500 University of Wolverhampton staff in finance, HR, recruitment and marketing.
No extra cost to the taxpayer
Parker said: “This Collab Hub is about working shoulder to shoulder with our local councils and others to bring real change for local people quickly and effectively.
“I made a commitment when I was elected to explore how to make the work of the Mayor and WMCA more accessible, visible and accountable.
“But I didn’t want any promise of a Black Country office to be tokenistic. It needed to be a useful base that works and delivers for local communities.
“I also wanted to make sure it did not cost the taxpayer more money, so I’m delighted we’ve been able to make this agreement with the council.”
Cllr Stephen Simkins, leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, welcomed the initiative as a sign of a strong public sector partnership that boosts efficiency and supports the city centre economy.
