Midlands, start your engine... Millions for arts, business and transport in region revealed
THE West Midlands is set to get super-fast 5G mobile services and money for major arts initiatives as part of an ambitious £392 million project to boost the region’s economy.
Under the much-heralded ‘Midlands Engine’ there will be £10 million for an extension to Birmingham Symphony Hall and support for a £250 million scheme to help small businesses.
Up to £10 million will be used to improve University Station in Edgbaston, reducing overcrowding, and £25 million will be spent to cut traffic congestion and improve major employment sites in the Black Country.
Government Ministers will also join Midlands businesses on a series of visits across the globe, to help them win investment.
An official art collection, currently housed in Government buildings across the world – but largely in London – could also be moved to Birmingham to create a major new tourist attraction and bring more visitors to the city, it was revealed
A “smart ticket” scheme will operate on local rail services by 2018, with a goal of later extending it to other local transport services.
And the Government will provide £20 million to improve skills in the region, including £2 million in English-language courses for people whose English is poor.
The announcement by Chancellor Philip Hammond follows previous criticism that the Government – particularly when George Osborne was at No.11 – had been overly focused on the so-called ‘Northern Powerhouse’.
Mr Hammond launched the Midlands Engine strategy in the city on Thursday, a day after his Budget statement. It will be led by Sajid Javid, the Local Government Secretary and MP for Bromsgrove in Worcestershire.
The strategy aims to create jobs and growth in both the East and West Midlands as the Government argues both regions will be more successful if they work closely together.
The funding includes schemes in the east of the region such as the £11 million regeneration city centre.
Mr Hammond said: “The Midlands has enormous economic potential and as we lay the foundations of a stronger, fairer Britain outside the EU it is more important than ever that we now build on its existing strengths to make sure it fulfils it.
“The Midlands Engine Strategy is an important milestone, setting out the concrete actions we are taking, where we are not only investing in what it does well but also tackling some of the long-standing productivity barriers in the region including skills and connectivity.
“It is a vital part of the government’s work to create an economy that works for everyone, and all parts of the country.”
Communities Secretary and Midlands Engine Ministerial Champion Mr Javid said: “Backed by millions of Derby in investment, this new strategy will help create more jobs and boost skills in the region. It will also showcase to investors here and abroad everything the Midlands Engine has to offer.”
Businessman Sir John Peace, chairman of Burberry, chairs the Midlands Engine project on behalf of the Government.
He said: “All parts of the Midlands already do a great job energising growth, creating jobs, investing in infrastructure, helping people to acquire valuable skills and promoting their particular assets to attract investment and visitors.
“This strategy represents a clear footprint for the Midlands Engine empowering us to think bigger, and work even closer together, across local economies and on a scale that makes sense in global markets.”
The Midlands Engine Strategy is an important milestone Chancellor Philip Hammond