The Worcester Growth Corridor is a planned commercial and industrial development that will serve as a gateway for the city. Currently in early stages in development, the new economic corridor will focus on the manufacturing sector with the goal of supporting and attracting technology-rich manufacturing companies. The corridor will tap into local skills in information technology (IT), defence and cyber sectors. The development will also help position the city as a first rate Cathedral City, furthering Worcester’s role as a centre for business, commerce and shopping.

Overview of the Worcester Growth Corridor

Located between junctions 6 and 7 of the M5 motorway on the eastern edge of the city, the Worcester Growth Corridor provides excellent accessibility and transport links for businesses. In addition to immediate access to the M5, businesses based in the corridor will also have easy access to markets across the country thanks to the proximity of the M6, M42 and M50. Its position close to this strategic transport network also positions the corridor as a gateway to Worcester.

The Worcester Growth Corridor was identified in Worcestershire’s Strategic Economic Plan as a key employment site and driver of the county’s economy. Over the next two years, local authorities will also be undertaking a review of the Local Plan that could potentially allow for mixed commercial development in the corridor. Funding for the Worcester Growth Corridor including a new technology park is provided by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership through the UK government’s Growth Deal. Development is being undertaken in partnership with the Worcestershire County Council and Birmingham-based commercial property developer Stoford.

Worcester Six Technology and Business Park

At the heart of the corridor will be Worcester Six (W6), a state-of-the-art technology and business park that will be home to up to 290,000 square metres of high-quality employment. W6 is the initial focus for the corridor’s development and will help establish a new economic gateway for Worcester. The development will include up to six sites. Formerly known as Worcester Technology Park, the new development will feature a mix of office, manufacturing, research and development, and logistics space. Planning consent has been obtained for up to 140,000 square metres on a 60-hectare site east of the M5 adjacent to Junction 6, and phased construction began in 2015. The park is expected to welcome its first occupiers starting in mid-2016.

Economic Benefits

The Worcester Growth Corridor has an estimated gross development value (GDV) of up to £300 million, according to the Regeneration Investment Organisation. Expected to be completed by early 2024, the 120-hectare site will feature both industrial and commercial development. The initial development at the W6 technology park will include a 42,356 square foot flagship office unit, with additional buildings ranging from 10,000 square metres. The development is also expected to generate up to 6,800 permanent jobs. The £120-million Worcester Six technology park itself will create more than 5,000 new jobs, giving the local economy a major boost. The project will also add £350 million gross value added (GVA) and enhance local infrastructure, including improvements to the Pershore Lane and Lough Lane roundabout near junction 6 of the M5.

References:
(1) Regeneration Investment Organisation, ‘Regeneration Project: Worcester Growth Corridor’, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/regeneration-project-worcester-growth-corridor-gdv-300m/regeneration-project-worcester-growth-corridor-gdv-300m
(2) Invest in Worcestershire, ‘Worcestershire Investment Sites: Worcester Growth Corridor’, http://www.investinworcestershire.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Worcester-Growth-Corridor.pdf
(3) Worcester Six, ‘Overview’, http://www.worcester6.co.uk/overview/