The investment was secured after Mayor Andy Street put the project top of the region’s bids for Government funding and after a year-long lobbying campaign by Birmingham Northfield MP Gary Sambrook.
The site is the biggest remaining part of the former car factory still to be redeveloped. It has been empty since
the tragic collapse of MG Rover in 2005. New business units and housing will be built on the site which will quickly create construction jobs followed by other good quality employment.
It is estimated the investment will unlock up to 5000 new jobs in R&D, manufacturing, hi-tech and offices on the site.
However, the regeneration would have been impossible without Government support to help with initial costs, which is why it hasn’t happened before. That support has now been secured for the business case submitted by Andy Street and backed by Gary and St. Modwen.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street Said "“As someone who grew up in Northfield I understand what a huge blow the loss of Rover was and what a huge wound it has left. It’s why I’ve been determined as Mayor to get the whole site redeveloped and supporting decent jobs again.”
Local MP Gary Sambrook Said "I am delighted we have succeeding in winning this crucial funding for the area. Completing the regeneration of Longbridge has been my top priority since becoming your MP a year ago. Now more than ever it is vital that this site is brought back into full use again – creating and sustaining good quality jobs for local people."
