Longbridge car plant regeneration gets further boost

The regeneration of the former MG Rover car plant in Longbridge has been given a further funding boost by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The WMCA has agreed a £780,000 funding deal for the 2 Park Square development, which will see 60,000sq ft of high-quality commercial office space built on a 1.6 acre derelict plot on the site of the once famous car works.

Working alongside partner St. Modwen, the scheme is the latest planned development in the regeneration of Longbridge which has already seen more than 3,700 jobs created.

On completion, the wider transformation of the area is expected to create around 9,000 permanent jobs and deliver an estimated economic boost of £500m a year.

The announcement follows the award last month of more than £51m of government funding for the WMCA to drive forward significant regeneration schemes on brownfield, former industrial land such as the old MG Rover site at Longbridge.

‘This derelict site was once a thriving hub of industry, and now it can once again provide jobs and services for the region,’ said West Midlands mayor, Andy Street.

‘Our funding will assist in closing the viability gap needed to get the redevelopment of this part of the Longbridge site underway.

‘We may still be in the eye of the Covid storm but we have refused to let it knock us off course. Throughout the pandemic we have continued to invest in the regeneration of brownfield land across the region and put in place the building blocks we will need for a successful economic recovery that can provide decent jobs and good quality affordable homes for local people.’

The 2 Park Square scheme is seen as vital in building on the success of the Longbridge Innovation Centre and other nearby workplaces. Existing businesses in the area have grown and now require additional space to continue their expansion but the scheme also provides space for smaller businesses to occupy and expand.

Rob Flavell, senior director at St. Modwen, said: ‘Our partnership with the WMCA continues to grow and help unlock the exciting pipeline of jobs, homes and beautiful public realm spaces that will create an amazing place.

‘The WMCA’s support is key to delivering the huge benefit that Longbridge can contribute to the West Midlands.’

Photo Credit – Nappiness (Pixabay)