The decision, pending approval by the council's Cabinet on Wednesday 14 October, will facilitate the redevelopment of four brownfield sites known as Six Mile Green, located near the University of Wolverhampton Science Park. This initiative is part of the city's GIC programme, a collaboration between City of Wolverhampton Council and the University of Wolverhampton.
The GIC project has secured £27 million in capital funding from the UK Government and the West Midlands Combined Authority. It also benefits from West Midlands Investment Zone status, aimed at attracting investment and creating jobs in green construction, engineering, and digital technologies. Funding will be allocated for site preparation and preconstruction works at Six Mile Green, including clearance and land remediation, to provide development-ready sites for prospective businesses.
Upon full development, Six Mile Green is projected to create up to 600 high-quality jobs and apprenticeships in sectors such as clean tech, sustainable construction, cyber security, and green manufacturing and engineering. An additional 100 jobs will be created or supported during the construction phase of over 12,000sqm of innovation and commercial buildings, designed to accommodate start-ups, growing companies, and established firms.
The GIC initiative will link key assets including the University's Springfield Campus, Science Park, and the i54 advanced manufacturing business park, recognised as the nation's most successful Enterprise Zone. Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, stated that the contractor appointment would 'kick start' the development and support the council and university in attracting businesses to the GIC.
Councillor Simkins added, 'The Green Innovation Corridor will build upon Wolverhampton’s sustainable construction, green credentials and circular economy for transformation that will create quality jobs and training opportunities for local people.' Dr Pete Cross, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Wolverhampton, highlighted Six Mile Green as a 'key part' of their shared ambition for the GIC, bringing them closer to realising their goals.
Dr Cross further commented, 'By creating development ready space for businesses working in green construction, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies, we can attract new investment, support high quality jobs and apprenticeships, and create opportunities for local people. Together with our partners, we are building on the strengths of Springfield Campus, the Science Park and the wider city to create a connected innovation ecosystem that will support a greener, more resilient economy for Wolverhampton and the wider region.'
