New Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire growth zone 'will create 14,700 jobs'
A new ''investment zone' linking major economic sites in Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire will bring £582 million to the region and create 14,700 jobs, it has been announced today.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The Central Edge 'economic growth zone', a partnership between Wolverhampton Council, South Staffordshire Council and Wolverhampton University, will link the i54 business park to the £1 billion West Midlands Interchange rail-freight centre at Four Ashes, and Wolverhampton's Green Innovation Corridor in an effort to attract more investment to the area.
It aims to encourage the development of 16.4million sq ft of prime land around the three sites.
The Green Innovation Corridor, created with the help of £20 million 'levelling up' money in 2023, will see the university's Springfield campus developed as a centre for green technology, linking up with the university's science park in Stafford Road, and i54 - the home of Jaguar Land Rover's engine plant - to the north.
The West Midlands interchange, close to Gailey Island of the M6, will act as a major logistics centre linking the motorway with the rail network.
Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills at Wolverhampton Council, said it was a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity to build on the success of i54, the UK’s most successful enterprise zone.
"Our vision for growth in green innovation and advanced manufacturing encompasses the multitude and breadth of opportunities across this new economic growth zone," he said.
“The Central Edge will be an international exemplar area for innovation, green economy, advanced manufacturing and logistics, delivering good transformative growth at scale and pace and creating thousands of jobs.”
Martin Murray, deputy leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “Growing the economy and creating good jobs for local people is a key priority for the new leadership and we are committed to working with partners to deliver real benefits for businesses and residents.”
Director of place and communities at South Staffordshire Council Annette Roberts added: “This project will be a huge boost to the local and regional economy building on the success of i54 and furthering innovation in the green economy, advanced manufacturing and logistics, creating sustainable growth and quality jobs for our communities, and supporting business.”
