Work gets underway at Coventry and Warwickshire West Midlands Investment Zone site

Works are underway at GreenPower Park in Coventry to prepare the site to become a global hub for advanced manufacturing, battery technology and clean energy.

The redevelopment of the 308-acre former airfield is being led by public-private joint venture partners Coventry City Council and Rigby Group, and backed with £23m of funding from Mayor Richard Parker through the West Midlands Combined Authority's regional flagship Investment Zone programme.

Planning permission has been secured for up to 5.7m sq ft of industrial development, with the aim of creating thousands of new jobs and injecting £2.5bn into the local economy.

Enabling works to connect the site to a dedicated power supply from National Grid are now underway with Matrix Networks and Ashwell Construction installing a new primary sub-station.

Archaelogy and environmental experts have also been appointed to satisfy statutory planning conditions. Archaeological investigations are expected to conclude in November this year. Environmental consultants will then survey the site in advance of groundwork activities commencing.

Contracts are also in place for the demolition of redundant airport buildings, with works expected to conclude in 2027.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Getting spades in the ground at GreenPower Park is a significant milestone in our plan to put this region at the cutting edge of global battery manufacturing and innovation.

"It also moves us a step closer to thousands more good quality jobs in one of our fastest-growing sectors. Using our Investment Zone funding to prepare this site is what’s driving strong interest from international investors who share our ambition and want to do business here.”

Mike Murray, project director at GreenPower Park, said: “Following the closure of the airport in June we are now moving at pace to get the site ready for occupation.

“Planning permssions are secured and we are poised to plug in to the National Grid. This will allow us to potentially deliver a new manufacturing facility within 18 months of an occupier signing. In addition, we have put together a package of financial incentives – with support from WMCA and government – to help attract investors and ensure it’s a smooth and simple process from first meeting to occupation.”

Cllr Lynnette Kelly, deputy leader and cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change at Coventry City Council, added: “There is no doubt that the future is battery driven so to see work start on site is really encouraging.  We are the only location in the UK that is ready to go right now, with planning permission in place, a package of investor support and the all important grid connection.

“The UK needs to compete on a world stage or risk being left behind – and this site enables us to do just that. Of course Coventry, the wider region and the UK as a whole, needs good quality jobs – jobs that will build on our rich manufacturing heritage as we lead the green industrial revolution. And really that’s what this site is all about.”

GreenPower Park is in one of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s three Investment Zone sites benefitting from a range of direct funding and in some cases tax incentives because of their potential to create 30,000 new jobs and attract £5.5bn of investment.

Around £1.5bn of business rates will also be retained and reinvested in the region to drive economic growth over the zone’s 25-year lifespan.

The other two Investment Zone sites are Birmingham Knowledge Quarter and Wolverhampton Green Innovation Corridor.

The site is being marketed through agents CBRE.