7,000 jobs heading for Dudley as Government approves £589m DY5 enterprise zone
A multi-million pound enterprise zone in Dudley that will see 7,000 jobs created has been given the go ahead by the Government.
The sprawling development in Brierley Hill includes plans for improved transport links and is expected to see £589 million ploughed into the region's economy each year.
It will occupy around 700,000sq m of land at Blackbrook Valley and Pensnett and will also offer high-tech office space in the Waterfront complex.
Announcing the scheme at The Deckhouse, Waterfront West, Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said the scheme forms a key part of the Government's efforts to 'fire up the Midlands Engine', and create an economy that works for everyone in all parts of the country.
"I've seen for myself the real potential this site has – and with cutting edge office facilities it will help attract the brightest and best of industry," he said.
The site has been formally named DY5 – Dudley's Business and Innovation Enterprise Zone, and work is expected to start there in April.
Dudley Council submitted a bid for an enterprise zone last July.
Councillor Pete Lowe, leader of Dudley Council and vice-chair of West Midlands Combined Authority, said: "Our new enterprise zone will put Brierley Hill, the borough and the wider region on the national and international map as a place to come and do business and thrive.
"The zone will demonstrate our ingenuity and ability to breathe new life into businesses and support our ethos – Made in the Black Country, sold around the world."
Tom Westley, Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership board member, said: "The LEP is excited about the future and what the zone will bring to an area of the borough which already has many great strengths but will benefit from this status.
"As an organisation, we will be located within the Enterprise Zone and I would encourage new businesses and those that are looking to expand to come and join us and be part of this exciting opportunity."
