Vision for Wolverhampton's £20 million Green Innovation Corridor revealed
The first images of the proposed £20 million Green Innovation Corridor which could re-invigorate Wolverhampton's economy have been released.
The plans are part of Wolverhampton's bid to be awarded transformational Government levelling up money.
The Springfield-based development will create a centre for sustainable construction and create high skilled jobs for local people in the emerging green economy.
Phase one will be the Springfield Innovation Hub becoming net carbon zero and based at the University of Wolverhampton’s £120 million Springfield super campus.
More than 90,000 sq ft of commercial innovation floorspace will be created in three units for business start-ups. The National Centre for Sustainable Construction will also be built, creating over 300 jobs.
The long-term plan is to connect key the Springfield Campus with Wolverhampton Science Park and link the city centre with a hi-tech cluster in the north of the city.
Future Green Innovation Corridor phases include Six Mile Green at Wolverhampton Science Park and Cross Street North, which could regenerate over 6.4 hectares of brownfield land, create 250,000 sq ft of commercial space and more than 1,000 jobs.
Six Mile Green, named after the 1862 world record for the highest vertical ascent in a hot air balloon launched from the site, will see the construction of units for new business start-ups and innovation, while the Cross Street North site will see new housing and commercial development and public spaces.
City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Ian Brookfield, said: "The City of Wolverhampton’s vision for the Green Innovation Corridor will drive the green industrial revolution, building upon Wolverhampton’s sustainable construction, green credentials and circular economy for transformation that will create quality jobs for local people.
"This bid for £20 million will help us deliver the Green Innovation Corridor linking the city’s key assets in skills, research and high-end manufacturing; building upon the strengths of the National Centre for Sustainable Construction and Wolverhampton Science Park."
Wolverhampton North East MP, Jane Stevenson, added: “Levelling Up must deliver for Wolverhampton in a number of ways, improving our quality of life, education outcomes and local job opportunities. The Springfield Innovation Hub will not only create hundreds of jobs but will also act as a catalyst for the regeneration of a larger part of the city. The Green Innovation Corridor will transform the canalside from the Brewery to the Science Park with waterside homes and businesses.
“The Springfield Innovation Hub will cement Wolverhampton's place as the National Centre for Sustainable Construction. It will also boost our regional economy, supporting new jobs in high-value manufacturing, green technologies, digital innovation and research.”
University of Wolverhampton interim vice chancellor Professor Ian Campbell, said: "The university is committed to delivering education and fostering relationships with local business to introduce graduates to the business community. In addition, we recognise the importance of graduate retention in Wolverhampton to assist in its continued growth."
A decision on Levelling Up Round 2 funding allocations is expected to be announced this October.
