The West Midlands launches a £19bn investment prospectus covering the Sports Quarter, Digbeth, the Knowledge Quarter and Arden Cross, backed by a planned mayoral development body and new transport. We test funding, timelines, housing mix and accountability.
00:00The West Midlands has unveiled a £19bn pipeline of projects to deliver new jobs, homes and transport links across the region.
00:10The Mayor's investment prospectus brings together major regeneration schemes in a single pitch to global investors,
00:16setting out how private capital could help rebuild the region's economy.
00:21A new mayoral development corporation is expected to take charge of key sites, combining land, funding and planning powers under one roof.
00:29The Amish Cup bureaucracy and speed up delivery on large, complex projects.
00:34Flagship schemes include the £4bn sports quarter with a new Birmingham City Stadium, the Knowledge Quarter, Digbeth's Creative Hub and Arden Cross near the airport.
00:46The plan leans heavily on transport with more than £2.4bn set aside for new infrastructure.
00:52That includes a metro extension to the sports quarter and major rail upgrades at Adderley Park to connect East Birmingham with HS2 at Curzon Street.
01:02Supporters say the prospectus will attract new investment and secure thousands of construction and engineering jobs, followed by long-term growth in health, tech and the creative industries.
01:14Critics warn the figures rely on unconfirmed funding, that affordable housing targets remain unclear and that stadium projects are notorious for slipping behind schedule.
01:26The document was showcased at an international investment summit in Birmingham alongside ministers and major firms.
01:33Leaders hope it will signal confidence in the region after years of stalled schemes, but turning vision into delivery will now be the ultimate test.
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