Wolverhampton Green Innovation Corridor opportunities on show at forum

Delegates will be told about options to be part of the corridor – as a partner, developer, owner-occupier or to secure future tenants.

Wolverhampton Council and the University of Wolverhampton are particularly keen to hear from parties interested in joining them in a partnership to redevelop all or part of the corridor - to attract major investment and curate a distinctive innovation district.

GIC connects key assets at the university's Springfield Campus, Science Park, and the i54 advanced manufacturing business park – the country’s most successful Enterprise Zone.

It is poised to revolutionise sustainable manufacturing through cutting-edge technologies in additive materials, green construction and green computing and it aims to leverage Wolverhampton and the West Midlands’ internationally-recognised advanced manufacturing strengths – particularly in automotive, aerospace and related sectors.

GIC will provide transformational learning and upskilling opportunities for people in Wolverhampton, creating pathways to high-value jobs and strengthening the talent pool. It will also foster a dynamic, diverse ecosystem of innovation-led businesses and entrepreneurs, creating a magnet for investors and the brightest talent.

The scheme has already secured £27million funding from the UK Government and has attained West Midlands Investment Zone status, helping unlock transformational capital funding, business support and skills programmes.

GIC will deliver access to internationally recognised research and expertise across green construction, green engineering and green computing and cybersecurity; space and facilities for every stage of business growth, co-location and community; and a drive on green skills.

Councillor Chris Burden, Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, said: “Considerable work has been undertaken to develop the GIC proposition and case for investment.

“The scheme already has a clear sense of direction and ambition and joining us at this stage provides ample opportunity to further shape the scheme and its offer to future occupiers.

“The council and university have an extensive track record of working together with developers and investors to deliver transformative regeneration projects and we are already in active discussions with businesses seeking to locate at GIC and be part of a community of innovators.”

Professor Prashant Pillai MBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor for research and knowledge exchange at the University of Wolverhampton, said: "Through the Green Innovation Corridor we're aiming to establish a world-leading, research-driven innovation district - not just for Wolverhampton, but regionally, nationally, and globally.

“This will be a district where the public and private sectors, alongside academia, collaborate to create a dynamic ecosystem of innovation.

“The university has been looking at research around green engineering, green construction for the best part of 20 years and we can use that expertise to help businesses grow through innovation.”