REDDITCH has been backed as the perfect location to build a prestigious new Institute of Technology, and is “just the kind of project” needed for the town's young people.

That’s the view of MP Rachel Maclean, who believes such a site would provide an excellent addition to the town by creating opportunities for young people to reach their potential.

She raised her case to the Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Jo Johnson in the House of Commons on November 7.

She said: “Given the great transport links in Redditch, our proximity to Birmingham and thriving local business community, this would be a fantastic asset to Redditch which would benefit the town and surrounding areas.

“It would be a brilliant opportunity for our young people to develop cutting-edge technical skills which are in demand by employers across the country.

“This is just the kind of project we need in Redditch to revive aspirations for young people.

“If you don’t aim high, you don’t achieve and I will be working hard with my team here in Redditch to take the Minister up on this invitation to ensure Redditch is in a position to apply."

Prime Minister Theresa May announced the government will invest £170 million in new institutes of technology as part of her industrial strategy earlier this year.

The Department for Education and BEIS have also just committed to the single-largest increase in science and innovation funding in 40 years, adding £4.7 billion to science spending and helping to drive growth across the country.

Part of this is the intention to establish high quality and prestigious institutions which specialise in delivering higher level technical skills that employers need across all regions.

Mr Johnson said the department would be calling for proposals before the end of the year and would welcome an application from Redditch to request an Institute of Technology.