A proposed new M5 motorway junction could pave the way for future development and investment across Worcestershire, local councillors have heard.
Business support for Junction 7A
Business figures suggest a junction 7A serving Malvern would bolster economic growth and employment opportunities.
Alan White, chief executive of Malvern Hills Science Park, revealed the facility employs approximately 400 staff and generates roughly £22 million each year for the regional economy.
However, he explained: "Further phases of growth are stymied by things like the cost of construction, land costs, and also infrastructure."
During Worcestershire County Council's economic overview and scrutiny panel meeting on Wednesday, 10 June, Councillor Martin Allen enquired about which particular infrastructure enhancements would assist the site's expansion.
Mr White responded: "A Junction 7A on the M5 would be really helpful."
"Ultimately, the better connected the Malvern area is, the easier it is for business to do what it does."
"Heading south via Upton can be a bit traumatic, to get onto the M5."
"Heading north to get onto Junction 7 is much better than it was but wouldn't it be great to have that direct link off the M5 into Malvern? I appreciate that's just a pipe dream."
He additionally urged councillors to campaign for sustained railway investment, noting that train services between Malvern and Birmingham can be time-consuming.
Council support for science park
Adam Kent, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for business, described the science park as a "hotbed of defence, technical, science and other aspects". He stressed the need for greater "American buzz" surrounding the science park, adding: "I'm going to be looking over the next few months to see what we can do to get as many high paid jobs into Malvern as we can."
Cllr Kent commented: "I was just thinking about Junction 7A, how long that would take and the effort in carving a motorway through all that farmland."
"The interesting aspect is Junction 7, particularly with the Parkway development, and the success of Worcester Six at Junction 6."
"Those houses at Parkway will need jobs, and [the science park] is somewhere that can provide them."
