Worcester Technology Park investment brings job hopes

Thousands of jobs could be created at a business park in Worcester which has been given £17m of government funding.

It is expected that 3,000 people could be employed at Worcester Technology Park once it is built.

Gary Woodman, from Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the investment from the Regional Growth Fund.

"It is really good news and it should create jobs, not just for Worcester, but for the whole county," he said.

Long-term plan

The Regional Growth Fund is a £1.4bn three-year fund operating across England to stimulate private sector-led sustainable economic growth and employment, provided by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Mr Woodman said the money would be used to improve the infrastructure at the park.

"The grant money will be used for changes to junction six [on the M5] and for changes to the drainage on the site. That then allows us to attract new businesses in or local businesses to expand on that site."

Diane Tilley, Worcestershire County Council's director of planning, economy and performance, said: "We're in the very early stages of a long-term plan, which could take five years or more to deliver, but our goal is to strengthen the local economy and ensure high-quality job opportunities for local people in the future."