Both the proposed planning variation and the road package will make i54 more attractive to potential commercial developers and end users The recession has ...
Advantage West Midlands has annonced that it is seeking a variation of the current planning consent which allowed an initial development of up to15,000 sq m to be undertaken prior to the wider development of the 96 ha site.
In the current climate a development of 50,000 sq m is considered to be more attractive as a first phase to developers and to be of sufficient size to offer suitable opportunities to companies wishing to locate on i54.
Approval of this variance of consent will trigger an £11 million investment into the local road system to minimise the traffic impact of this larger Phase 1 i54 development.
Phase 1 will also see the provision of bus services to the site with improved cycling and pedestrian facilities, all intended to reduce private car usage. There will also be initiatives to direct Heavy Goods Vehicles and other car traffic away from nearby residential areas.
Speaking on behalf of Advantage West Midlands, Partnership Director Mark Foley, said:
“Both the proposed planning variation and the road package will make i54 more attractive to potential commercial developers and end users. The recession has hit the commercial property sector very hard and this planning variation, alongside the substantial £11 million investment in the road infrastructure will help to attract developers and inward investment into the site.
“The Agency is confident of the long term future of i54 and we believe it will over time attract the high quality jobs, we have always envisaged. We remain committed to an improved access from Junction 2 of the M54 motorway and are working hard with the City Council, Wolverhampton Development Company, South Staffordshire District Council and the Highways Agency to find a suitable design and funding package.”