Saqib Bhatti, Member of Parliament for Meriden has welcomed the news that the Chancellor has allocated £50m to replace surface parking with multi storey facilities, unlocking 28 hectares for new businesses and homes around the High Speed 2 Birmingham Interchange Station.
This money was announced in the Budget on 3rd March 2021 and the funding will support economic generation and development around the Arden Cross.
Since his election in December 2019, Saqib has been working with Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, Solihull Council and the Urban Growth Company to make the case for these funds which will unlock an economic zone around the HS2 interchange area and protect the greenbelt by helping to reduce the impact of HS2.
Saqib said: “This investment by the Chancellor is very welcome and it epitomises his desire for recovery. This measure unleashes an economic zone which in my view will be formidable in attracting investment and jobs.
This funding also means land will be used more efficiently avoiding a large flat car park and protecting our greenbelt. This was imperative and I thank the Chancellor for his vision and support.”
The Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “This £50m of funding will bring new jobs, homes and opportunities to the local area. I thank Saqib Bhatti, Andy Street and Solihull Council for their hard work in making the case for this investment which will make the Arden Cross Development a global economic hub whilst also protecting the greenbelt.”
