Transformation plans approved for former MG Rover plant site
It has been 19 years since assembly lines suddenly halted at the MG Rover car plant in Longbridge, one of the biggest in Europe at the time.
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Thousands of workers in 2005 suddenly found themselves without jobs while the local community was left in stunned disbelief as the car maker plunged into administration.
Andy Street, former Mayor of the West Midlands, previously described the event as one of the “darkest days in the history” of the region.
Fast forward to 2024 and part of the site is set to become a new unit for research, development and manufacturing purposes – a development which could provide a range of employment opportunities in Birmingham.
The plans were lodged by Allsee Technologies Limited, an electronics manufacturer, and considered by the city council’s planning committee earlier this month.
A council officer’s report, published prior to the meeting, said the development would be a “positive inward investment” into the West Longbridge site.
It would support the provision of high-quality employment opportunities,” it continued. “The scale and appearance of the proposed development would be acceptable and would sit comfortably in the street scene.
“There would be no adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring occupiers and the proposed development would have a beneficial impact on ecology and landscape locally.”
Councillor Colin Green was supportive of the plans, saying at the meeting: “It’s been 19 years now since [MG Rover] went bust.
“This site has been set aside for 19 years in the hope that some employment land would be used – I’m very pleased.”
The development, set to be built in land off Bristol Road South, was unanimously approved subject to conditions.
