Plans for a battery manufacturing and technology hub that will create thousands of new jobs in the west Midlands, in the UK, have taken a significant step forward.
Mayor Richard Parker has announced a £23m funding package to power up the Coventry and Warwick Gigapark with the installation of a dedicated energy supply capable of supporting large-scale battery production.
The Gigapark site – part of the region’s flagship Investment Zone – includes Greenpower Park, the UK’s Centre for Electrification and Clean Energy.
This major investment by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) will make this investment zone site development-ready and enable the region to secure international investment to attract battery manufacturers along with other associated electric vehicle and energy storage supply chain businesses.
Fully developed, the Gigapark could create up to 6000 jobs in battery manufacturing and in the EV and energy storage supply chains.
The funding will also pay for further infrastructure works and the technical assessments required for a detailed planning application.
Parker said: “The Gigapark is going to make the West Midlands a global hub for cutting-edge battery technology, paving the way for a new era of electric vehicle manufacturing in and around our region.
“This Investment Zone funding is an exciting first step in making that vision a reality. It will bring in private investment, create thousands of quality jobs, boost the local economy, and help build a greener, more sustainable future.”
The Coventry & Warwick Gigapark is being brought forward through a partnership between Coventry City Council, Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council.
Its main anchor site, Greenpower Park, is being delivered through a Joint Venture between Coventry Council and Coventry Airport.
Greenpower Park aims to host battery research, industrialisation, manufacturing, testing, recycling and electrified logistics designed to foster the UK’s growing battery ecosystem.