Government invests £35million into new Whitley Jaguar Land Rover site - The Coventry Observer

Government invests £35million into new Whitley Jaguar Land Rover site

Coventry Editorial 1st Sep, 2016 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

JAGUAR LAND ROVER’S planned Whitley South centre is set to be home to 3,000 engineering and manufacturing jobs, following the announcement of a £35million government investment.

Known as the Whitley South Infrastructure Project, the new 24-hectare site is being developed with support from Coventry and Warwickshire LEP (CWLEP), Warwick District Council and Coventry City Council.

The £35million investment has been paid to Coventry Council and work will start in the next few months.

Fundings from local sources will add an additional £10million to secure the project.




The investment will lead to improvements in industrial transport links on the A45 – including a new bridge to connect Whitley South to the existing Jaguar Land Rover engineering centre and Global HQ.

It is expected businesses will be on site and hiring from 2017/18, adding to the current list of 15,000 people employed in the advanced manufacturing sector in Coventry and Warwickshire.


Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said the new development will create thousands of skilled jobs in the engineering and manufacturing sector.

He added: “This investment shows how private and public sector can work together to make a difference to the economy.

“That’s why every member of my ministerial team has been appointed as a local growth champion, to work with local enterprise partnerships like CWLEP to support key opportunities and increase prosperity.”

Business minister Margot James said the investment unlocks land that will help to cement Coventry as a leading destination for investment.

She added: “The resurgence of advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry in the West Midlands is a real success story.

“It’s vital we maintain this momentum and keep creating high-skilled jobs and don’t let any opportunity slip through our fingers.”

Jonathon Browning, chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said the investment was great news for Coventry and will allow for further success in the manufacturing sector.

He added: “The CWLEP and its partners have worked hard over several years to ensure the sector can fulfil its potential, this includes improvements in infrastructure, skills and the supply chain.

“Our overall vision has been well supported by central government, our local authorities and the private sector who all understand our vision for the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire.

“This announcement is another major step in helping drive forward our economy and again will help stimulate development and growth in key areas.”

Coun Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration and LEP board member, said he was pleased with the news.

He added: “This cash will help to further cement Coventry’s place at the heart of automotive innovation, growth and success.

“It’s also great news for the many talented and ambitious young people who live here and who can now aim for a job at Jaguar Land Rover.”

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