£500m revamp plan for Longbridge

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Up to 10,000 jobs could be created and 1,400 homes and a shopping centre built to renovate part of Birmingham affected when a car plant closed down.

About 6,000 workers lost their jobs in Longbridge when MG Rover collapsed in April 2005.

Now a total of £500m could be spent if the 15-year plan goes ahead.

Government ministers have already outlined plans for a £20m innovation centre in the area which will make up part of that redevelopment.

The plans are being developed by Birmingham City Council, Worcestershire County Council and Bromsgrove Council.

Council leaders said they hoped the 15-year transformation of the area would encourage more people back to Longbridge.

Under the plans Longbridge railway station would also be revamped and Bournville College would also be relocated to the area.

'Determined to succeed'

A museum called the Austin Heritage Centre has also been proposed, which would celebrate the area's history in car-making.

Worcestershire County Council leader George Lord said: "Longbridge is not only the biggest regeneration project in the Midlands, but one of the most important.

"The eyes of both our residents and the nation will be on us so we are determined to succeed."

Councillors are expected to officially back the plans over the next few weeks then the proposals will be sent to the government for approval.

Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby said: "Reinvigorating Longbridge's industrial heritage while also attracting new hi-tech investors and companies will also play an important role in cementing the area's status as the real engine room for a prosperous and ever-growing Midlands economy, able to compete on an international stage."