Digging in for technology.

CONSTRUCTION work has begun at a 23-acre site which is expected to create 350 new jobs in a planned "hi-tech corridor" for the region.

John Edwards, chief executive at Advantage West Midlands, and Jill Dyer, who chairs Bromsgrove District Council, led a groundbreaking ceremony at Bromsgrove Technology Park.

That signalled the start of infrastructure works at the site by contractors Laser.

The Technology Park is a key strategic site in the Central Technology Belt and is the first new site under the scheme to have gained planning approval to begin construction.

The Central Technology Belt is a high technology corridor linking Birmingham with South Worcestershire, which aims to create long-term technology-driven business opportunities. The Bromsgrove scheme - on land formerly owned by United Engineering Forgings (UEF) -aims to create a community of companies that will all use technology as an integral part of their business.

It is hoped that a mixture of established and start-up companies will be attracted to the site.

Infrastructure on the site is set for completion by the summer and plots are now being marketed to owner-occupiers or developers.

John Edwards said: "The West Midlands is world-renowned for its expertise in manufacturing.

"However in the changing global economy we must look towards creating employment opportunities in the emerging technology markets.

Bromsgrove Technology Park is an excellent example of how we are working towards this aim."

Jill Dyer said: "Bromsgrove is well placed both geographically and psychologically to meet the challenge of the new technologies and to participate in them energetically and wholeheartedly."

CAPTION(S):

BREAKING NEW GROUND... Jill Dyer and Alan Folwell, from Bromsgrove District Council with AWM chief executive John Edwards.