SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 31
Sustainable Economic Growth
Introduction
71.
Solihull has one of the most productive economies in the Midlands. The presence of its key
economic assets combined with Solihull’s central location on the national motorway and rail
networks and the quality of its environment, have been key to its success in attracting
investment, particularly in high value-added sectors that include automotive manufacturing,
ICT, business and professional services, creative industries and construction.
The
attractiveness of the Borough to businesses and investors is set to take a significant leap
forward with the arrival of the high speed rail link and the Interchange station that is to be
accommodated in the Borough.
UK Central Solihull
72.
The UK Central Solihull proposals present a unique opportunity on a nationally significant
scale to bring forward major growth. This will contribute to wider strategic ambitions and in
doing so make a substantial contribution to the economic growth aims of not just the Council,
but also both the WMCA and the GBSLEP. The UK Central Solihull area, including The
Hub, where key economic assets are located, also encompasses the proposed High Speed
2 Interchange railway station within the triangle of land bounded by the A45, A452 and the
M42, known as Arden Cross.
73.
The UKC Masterplan (June 2013) highlights the opportunity as follows:
“At the heart of the proposition is the notion that, by capitalising on one of the
strongest economic bases in the country today, the area has the potential to
underpin a national economic resurgence. By targeting investment in local
infrastructure and committing to deliver an expanded Airport and proposed HS2
station, the benefits for the area and the UK are not only startlingly significant but
also very exciting at a time when the country is moving out of one of the worst
economic cycles in modern history.”
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