On Tuesday (October 18) the West Midlands will announce its formal submission to Government for a package of Investment Zones capable of accelerating economic growth and delivering tens of thousands of new homes and jobs.

In a comprehensive case to Government, the region has put forward Investment Zone proposals for key locations in order to regenerate and lift up some of the more deprived areas of the West Midlands.

The bid emphasises how the zones offer an opportunity to unlock new public and private investment to help rebalance the economy and tackle long standing issues around depravation, fuel poverty, jobs, skills and health.  

Media are invited to a photo/filming/interview opportunity at the Arden Cross regeneration site, home to the HS2 Interchange station in Solihull, on Tuesday when details of the bid will be announced.

Available for filming and interview will be Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, Cllr Brigid Jones, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council and Cllr Karen Grinsell, deputy leader of Solihull Council.

Rob Groves, regional development director of MEPC Limited, the development and asset managers of the Paradise Birmingham scheme (which is located within an Enterprise Zone), will also be available for interview at the Paradise development in the city centre between 8.30am and 9:45am and between 12:00 and 16:00 on Tuesday to give a private sector perspective of the Investment Zone concept and the region’s proposals.

Details are:

Date & time:           Tuesday, 18 October, 12:45pm for 13:00hrs start - 14:30hrs

Location:                HS2 A45 East Way Compound, Middle Bickenhill Lane, Marston Green, Solihull, B92 0EP please see map below. It recommended to download the What3Words app. The What3Words are bonds.freely.cabinets

Note:  Arden Cross is a full PPE site. Please complete and return the following so we can sort PPE requirements;

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Media wishing to attend Arden Cross and set up an interview with Rob Groves are asked to RSVP Kirstie Blakeman Kirstie.blakeman@wmca.org.uk tel 07974 227282 AND Steve Swingler – steve.swingler@wmca.org.uk tel 0788 779 4241