Staffordshire County Council, Wolverhampton City Council and South Staffordshire Council yesterday (Thursday 20 June, 2013) picked up the MJ Community Investor Award, a national award which recognises the efforts of local authorities to support development in their communities.
The 3 councils worked decisively to invest in the site and the unique partnership arrangement to fund, build and pay back a new motorway junction has put the area in the premier league of international investment opportunities which will secure investment into the local community, stimulate growth and create jobs for local people
i54 is now home to international companies including Moog, Eurofins and Jaguar Land Rover. Jaguar Land Rover alone is investing £500 million in a new advanced Engine Manufacturing Centre and bringing with them nearly 1,400 jobs. The whole site is forecast to employ almost 3,000 workers by 2015 and to expand still further by 2020.
Receiving the award were the leaders of Staffordshire County Council, Philip Atkins, Wolverhampton City Council, Councillor Roger Lawrence and South Staffordshire Council, Councillor Brian Edwards.
In a joint statement, they said: "Our 3 councils have worked in partnership to attract major investment and jobs to the area, and this award recognises the efforts we have made and the commitment we have to developing our local communities.
"i54 is a unique project that not only benefits local communities, but also supports economic growth and job creation regionally. The importance of being able to attract major international companies to the area cannot be underestimated, and this award is testament to the hard work and dedication of all 3 councils in securing this vital investment.
"With work at Jaguar Land Rover's Engine Manufacturing Centre progressing well, and both Moog and Eurofins already operating, the site has firmly been put on the map. We believe that this award shows that councils working together to achieve a common goal can have benefits that extend across boundaries, and can make a significant impact on local communities, and the local and national economy."
- released: Friday 21 June, 2013