Green innovation site ‘developer ready’ by March 2027
Councillors in Wolverhampton say the city now stands at the forefront of a green industrial revolution, after outline plans for a low-carbon manufacturing zone were approved.
More than 200,000 sq ft of factories and offices will be built for a new wave of eco-friendly businesses following approval of the first phase of the city’s Green Innovation Corridor, led by City of Wolverhampton Council and University of Wolverhampton.
Four brownfield sites near the University of Wolverhampton Science Park will be cleared to make way for the scheme, known as Six Mile green, after a pair of planning applications were rubber stamped by City of Wolverhampton’s planning team this week.
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Last month, £7m of funding was approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority for remediation work at the site, which has attracted a combined £27m in funding from the WMCA and government sources.
Remediation works are expected to be completed by March 2027, by which time the city council says Six Mile Green will be “development-ready” for prospective schemes.
Wolverhampton’s Green Innovation Corridor has received a £7m funding boost from the WMCA. Credit: Midlands Engine
Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “The council and university have an extensive track record of working together with developers and investors to deliver transformative regeneration projects.
“We are already in active discussions with businesses seeking to locate at GIC and be part of a community of innovators and planning approval now gives us the opportunity to progress those conversations and bring the Six Mile Green site forward as the first phase.
“The Green Innovation Corridor will drive the Green Industrial Revolution, building upon Wolverhampton’s sustainable construction, green credentials and circular economy for transformation that will create quality jobs and training opportunities for local people.”
When fully developed Six Mile Green will host up to 600 high-quality jobs and apprenticeships in clean-tech, sustainable construction, cyber security, and green manufacturing and engineering.
Another 100 jobs will be created or supported during construction of the 12,000sqm of innovation and commercial buildings that will include flexible space for start-ups, growing companies and larger premises for established firms.
Dr Pete Cross, University of Wolverhampton Chief Operating Officer, added: “Planning approval for Six Mile Green marks an important milestone in advancing the Green Innovation Corridor. This site has extraordinary potential to become a hub for low‑carbon industry, sustainable construction, and advanced manufacturing, right at the heart of Wolverhampton’s innovation ecosystem.
“By transforming 6.4 hectares of brownfield land into high‑quality commercial space, we are not only creating opportunities for new employers and investors, but also reinforcing the vital connections between the Springfield Campus, the Science Park and the wider city. Six Mile Green will play a key role in shaping a cleaner, greener and more resilient economy for the West Midlands.”
