The move is subject to approval by the council’s Cabinet when it meets on Wednesday, October 14.
If agreed, it will pave the way for the redevelopment of four brownfield sites, collectively known as Six Mile Green, located close to University of Wolverhampton Science Park.
Planning permission is already in place for this element of the city’s pioneering GIC programme, which is being led by City of Wolverhampton Council and the University of Wolverhampton.
Overall, GIC has secured £27million capital funding from UK Government and the West Midlands Combined Authority. It also holds West Midlands Investment Zone status, helping attract investment and create jobs focused on green construction, engineering, and digital technologies.
Part of the funding will be used to carry out site preparation and preconstruction works, including clearance and land remediation, at Six Mile Green.
This will support prospective developers by providing development ready sites for design and build.
When fully developed Six Mile Green will host up to 600 high-quality jobs and apprenticeships in clean tech, sustainable construction, cyber security, and green manufacturing and engineering.
Another 100 jobs will be created or supported during the construction of over 12,000sqm of innovation and commercial buildings that will include flexible space for start-ups, growing companies and larger premises for established firms.
GIC will connect key assets at the University’s Springfield Campus, Science Park, and the i54 advanced manufacturing business park – the country’s most successful Enterprise Zone.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, said: “The appointment of a contractor for the enabling works will kick-start the Green Innovation Corridor development at Six Mile Green.
“It will support the work of the council and university in securing businesses seeking to locate in the GIC and be part of a community of innovators.
“The Green Innovation Corridor will build upon Wolverhampton’s sustainable construction, green credentials and circular economy for transformation that will create quality jobs and training opportunities for local people.”
Dr Pete Cross, Chief Operating Officer, University of Wolverhampton said: “Six Mile Green is a key part of our shared ambition for the Green Innovation Corridor, and this next step brings us closer to turning that ambition into reality.
“By creating development-ready space for businesses working in green construction, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies, we can attract new investment, support high-quality jobs and apprenticeships, and create opportunities for local people.
“Together with our partners, we are building on the strengths of Springfield Campus, the Science Park and the wider city to create a connected innovation ecosystem that will support a greener, more resilient economy for Wolverhampton and the wider region.”
