400 jobs to be created on former MG Rover ‘West Works’ site
MORE than 400 jobs could be created if plans to build four large business units on the former MG Rover West Works site in Longbridge get the go-ahead.
The scheme would provide up to 414 full-time jobs at the plot off Bristol Road South opposite Bournville College and Longbridge Technology Park.
Historically the 22-acre site was home to a body assembly plant which was connected to the East Works via the iconic conveyor bridge that crossed the A38.
The vast works have since been demolished in the wake of Rover’s collapse in 2005. More recently the site served as a temporary car park while Marks & Spencer and the new Longbridge town centre were being built, but it is no longer in use.
The new development, which would be the first of multiple phases of regeneration for the west site, would provide 205,000 sq ft of light industrial floorspace.
Developer St Modwen has submitted the latest application to Birmingham City Council and hopes to start work late this year should planning permission be granted.
The proposal sits alongside another application lodged with the council which aims to carry out infrastructure works, enhancements to the River Rea and highway access improvements.
A statement from St Modwen said: “The development of this site provides a positive opportunity to contribute to the redevelopment of Longbridge and assist in the wider regeneration of the area.
“At recognised employment densities, the proposed development has the potential to create over 400 new jobs for Longbridge and represents a major investment into the site by St Modwen.”
Longbridge is the largest regeneration project in the West Midlands representing investment in the region of £1 billion.