Green innovation corridor plans set to be approved

Plans are set to be approved that will allow future projects to be delivered as part of Wolverhampton's "green innovation corridor" (GIC).

The GIC is a district in the city focusing on green construction, computing and engineering, and hopes to influence the region's transition to net-zero.

It connects the University of Wolverhampton's Springfield campus, Science Park, and the i54 advanced manufacturing business park.

Wolverhampton City Council's cabinet will meet on 10 December to agree a plan that will see a £20m Local Regeneration Fund grant assigned to the projects, managed by the university and the council.

The grant money would support further improvements to the university's facilities to maximise research, development and commercial opportunities, the council said.

The authority also wants to improve existing lighting, wayfinding and highways to provide safer and more accessible routes between the campus and city centre.

In addition, it plans to add extra substation capacity at the university's science park, which would increase laboratory space.

Councillor Chris Burden, cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, said the GIC would drive the "green industrial revolution" in Wolverhampton.

He added it would build on the city's "sustainable construction [and] green credentials", and create jobs and training opportunities.

Dr Pete Cross, chief operating officer at the university, said: "By expanding our research capabilities and creating spaces for collaboration, we will enable businesses to develop cutting-edge solutions in green construction, advanced manufacturing and engineering."

West Midlands Investment Zone funding totalling £7m has already been allocated to the first phase of the GIC.

A hybrid planning application has been put forward to redevelop four brownfield sites, collectively known as Six Mile Green, close to the university's science park.

If approved, the funding would be used to carry out preconstruction works by March 2027.

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