A NEW drive has been launched to attract foreign investment into the Redditch Eastern Gateway development.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has today (Thursday, May 17) launched his bid at a meeting of the Board of Trade in Stirling.

The Eastern Gateway project is one of 68 projects in the UK worth more than £30 billion to overseas investors that the Department for International Trade (DIT) is promoting.

He said: "This is a bold and ambitious programme, building on the UK's position as the leading destination for foreign investment in Europe through the government's Industrial Strategy, helping to build a Britain fit for the future.

“The High Potential Opportunities scheme will deliver growth where it is most needed, ensuring that the benefits of global investment are felt in every part of the country."

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(ABOVE: Impression of part of the proposed development at Redditch Eastern Gateway © Stoford Developments)

Last year the department helped attract 2,265 investment projects which created or safeguarded 108,000 jobs in the UK.

This year's project will also be promoted through a revamped online shop for potential investors, invest.great.gov.uk.

Rachel Maclean MP has backed the plan.

She said: “Redditch has a proud history of manufacturing, but our town is also focused on the dynamic and fast-growing businesses which are helping to drive the UK and the town’s economy forward.

"Yet again Redditch is punching above its weight on the world stage, as the International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, has proved by banging the drum for investment into the Redditch Gateway project.

“It’s clear Redditch is at the forefront of UK trade policy and I welcome the focus on attracting even more dynamic businesses which will create the high-skilled jobs of the future.

"Whilst I understand residents’ concerns about the type of businesses that will use the Redditch Gateway, by attracting foreign investment into the project the Government is clearly working proactively to ensure the Gateway is a prestigious opportunity for the people of Redditch to access high-skilled and high-quality jobs.”

The potential 75-acre site has been passed by Redditch, Bromsgrove and Stratford councils, and could see the creation of up to 2,500 jobs and almost one million square feet of new office and industrial space.

However, residents living close by in Winyates Green, have raised a number of concerns relating to traffic, noise and building works of having such a large development in their neighbourhood as well as the overall impact of the build.