THE first phase of work on Redditch Gateway has been completed, Worcestershire County Council has confirmed.

The site, which has been pre-let to online giant Amazon, will have capacity for up to one million square feet of brand new office, logistics and manufacturing accommodation when complete.

The accommodation will include office space, a secure yard and parking, with a total space of c.450,000 square feet.

Worcestershire's cabinet member with responsibility for economy and skills, councillor Marc Bayliss said: ”It is great news for the county as construction is progressing well at the Redditch Gateway site and a world renowned name such as Amazon has been named as tenants and will have a base in our county.

“It’s another clear and visual indication of the progress we have made over recent years, as we continue to develop the county’s economy and bring with that substantial economic benefits.”

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP), said: “I am pleased to see the first phase of work completed at the Redditch Gateway site. Increasing jobs in the county is a key objective for Worcestershire and this investment from Amazon will help to bring jobs and economic benefits to the county, helping the county to bounce back from the shock of the COVID pandemic.

"As part of our Plan for Growth strategy for 2040, I look forward to seeing the delivery of further phases of this project to help us achieve our vision of making Worcestershire a connected, creative, dynamic economy for all.”

The scheme is being supported by £1.7 million investment from the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growing Places Fund and grant support from Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.

Anita Bhalla, interim chair, Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), said: “It is fantastic to see Redditch Gateway reach this latest milestone, as it demonstrates how our investments are delivering for our local people and businesses.

"We allocated £1.8 million from our £208 million Local Growth Fund programme to this project. It’s great to see that Amazon has already signed up to move in and we can expect further tenants in the next phase. In the last decade, GBSLEP’s unique structure of bringing together public, private and academic partners has helped unlock many commercial sites like this one, helping drive inclusive economic growth across our region.”