400 jobs take a step closer as office funding deal completes
A key scheme in the on-going regeneration of the former MG Rover car plant in Longbridge is being backed by a £780,000 funding deal from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
More than 400 new jobs are expected to be created by 2 Park Square which will see 60,000 sq ft of commercial office space built on a 1.6 acre derelict plot on the site of the once-famous car works.
Working alongside developer 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 regeneration schemes on brownfield, former industrial land such as the old MG Rover site at Longbridge.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “This derelict site was once a thriving hub of industry, and now it can once again provide jobs and services for the region. 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.”
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.”
At its height in the 1960s, Longbridge was one of the world’s biggest car factories, employing tens of thousands of people producing ground-breaking vehicles like the Mini.
