Goodbye boring M42 Corridor: hello to racy UK Central
“The case for investment here is clear and compelling. National investment in High Speed rail combined with the early, bold, locally led delivery of regional transport connectivity will make this the best location in the country.”
A consortium led by Arup produced the masterplan, which sets out a vision for development of unparalleled scale around the M42. It is published a week after Birmingham Airport announced plans for a second runway.
Key proposals set out in the masterplan include:
• Managed growth around four key locations: North Solihull, Solihull Town Centre, Blythe Valley Business Park and the Hub – the epicentre of UKC which includes the NEC, airport, Birmingham Business Park and the proposed High Speed Rail station.
• Investment in connectivity, including rapid transit, to create a genuinely connected network.
• Investing in green infrastructure as a vital economic asset.
• Targeting investment at Junction Six of the M42 to facilitate the growth of Birmingham Airport, the NEC and Birmingham Business Park.
A special purpose delivery vehicle called UKC will be formed to procure and deliver schemes identified in a strategic business plan and accelerating planning, funding and implementation.
Cllr Ken Meeson, leader of Solihull Council, said: “UK Central represents one of the most important economic opportunities for the city region, wider West Midlands and the UK as a whole.
“It’s position at the heart of the UK transport networks and existing strengths as a growing centre for advanced engineering, high value manufacturing and tourism, combined with major assets such as Birmingham Airport, National Exhibition Centre and the home of Jaguar Land Rover already make it one of the UK’s premier business locations.”
GBSLEP chairman Andy Street described UK Central as “undoubtedly a big idea”.
Mr Street added: “Investments in Birmingham Airport and the arrival of the HS2 network makes it vital that we put the arrangements in place now to capitalise on the improved offer that UK Central will present to investors.
“By taking a structured approach to the development of UK Central and maximising the GBSLEP’s links with Government, we can ensure development is both appropriate and beneficial to the whole Greater Birmingham city region.”
