WEST Midlands Mayor Andy Street is urging the government to finally ‘heal the scars’ of Longbridge by investing in plans to complete the regeneration of the former MG Rover site.
Mr Street has been working with developer St Modwen and Northfield MP Gary Sambrook to get the former MG Rover ‘West Works’ regenerated.
The site would be the final major piece of the old Longbridge plant to be reclaimed, 15 years after the collapse of the car maker.
“Longbridge may, sadly, never produce another car – but the site can produce quality new jobs for local people,” said Mr Street.
“This derelict site – which has been levelled for years – could provide a tangible example of ‘levelling up’ in action, and illustrate the West Midlands ability to bounce back from adversity.
“As we face the challenges of a new downturn caused by the pandemic, this investment offers an opportunity to heal the scars of the MG Rover collapse, which remains one of the darkest days in our economic history.”
St Modwen has spearheaded the £1 billion regeneration of the Longbridge site, which aims to provide 9000 new jobs and 4000 new homes.
So far, the rebirth of Longbridge has included a £70 million town centre, over a million square feet of commercial floor space and more than 1,000 homes.
