West Midlands Mayor: Andy Street's plan to attract C4 and return of Birmingham Superprix
Mayoral candidate Andy Street has revealed plans to attract Channel 4 to the West Midlands and bring back Birmingham Superprix racing.
The creation of a 'digital skills institute' and a new graduate retention programme are included in proposals by Mr Street to help the region attract 29,000 new technology jobs.
The Conservative candidate said: “Digital is vital to the continued success of the West Midlands economy because it is the golden thread across all the industries which will provide jobs in the 21st century and forms a key part of the bid to bring Channel 4 to the region.
“While I led John Lewis, we went from 12 per cent orders online to over 50 per cent during the last Christmas period. We needed to innovate to keep up with the needs of our customers.
“The Mayor needs to lead the charge to bring digital skills and digital jobs to the West Midlands. We need someone who has the necessary experience and skills to make it the digital revolution success for the West Midlands.”
A consultation is taking place into whether Channel 4 should relocate outside of London.
Mr Street also welcomed new laws which will help support his vision for a revival of the Birmingham Superprix.
He has highlighted the idea of a new version of the Superprix, focused on the new generation of electric vehicles, in his manifesto.
The original Superprix ran in Birmingham from 1986 to 1990.
The new laws will allow motor racing events to take place on closed public roads in England.
He said: “These new laws will make it so much easier to overcome some of the obstacles around putting on these events, provided of course we agree the necessary permissions locally.
“In my Renewal Plan I have committed to making the West Midlands a global centre for electric and driverless vehicles, building on our existing strengths in advanced manufacturing.
“A revival of the Superprix – which is fondly remembered by West Midlanders – focused towards racing in new technologies would demonstrate our growing confidence as a region.
“It would of course be a tourism draw, bringing motorsports fans from all over the world.
"But it would also be a showcase for our global excellence in this emerging industry."
The West Midlands will elect a 'metro mayor' for the first time on May 4.
The mayor will have power over transport, economic growth, skills, mental health as well as being a figurehead for the region.
Residents in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell, Birmingham, Coventry, and Solihull will get a vote.
Labour's candidate is MEP Sion Simon, the Liberal Democrats are represented by Beverley Nielsen, the UKIP candidate is Pete Durnell, the Green candidate is James Burn, and the Communist Party candidate is Graham Stevenson.
