Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has given the council the go-ahead to compulsory purchase 72,000 square metres of land to the south of the city centre for the construction of the Summer Row development.

The mixed-use scheme will incorporate a shopping centre anchored by a Debenhams department store and 85 other shops as well as a cinema and other leisure facilities, homes and a new underground car park.

Hazel Blears decision follows a public inquiry about the compulsory purchase order, held between April and July 2007. The council and its development partner, Multi Development UK, gave evidence throughout the hearing that the creation of Summer Row was vital to the regeneration of Wolverhampton and future prosperity of the city.

Paul Sargent, managing director of Multi Development UK, said: "Multi is delighted that this last milestone in the pre-construction stages of the development of Summer Row has now been achieved. Multi is now fully focused on achieving our start date for late Spring 2008. Multi will continue to communicate with all businesses and landowners affected by the decision."

There will now be a six-week legal challenge period.  After this, at the request of Multi Development UK, Wolverhampton City Council will serve further notices for the compulsory purchase of all land and property required for the development.