Plans outlined for scientific precision engineering centre

An application has been submitted proposing the construction of a scientific precision engineering centre as part of a landmark regeneration scheme in the West Midlands.Planning permission for one of the buildings at the centre is being sought on behalf of Waters Corporation, a specialist in analytical instruments and software which employs more than 7,800 people worldwide.The facility, to be based on St Modwen’s West Longbridge Business Park, would extend to 45,000 sq ft and provide a 300 per cent increase in available space for Waters compared to its existing premises in Solihull.The site is forecasted to create up to 100 jobs.Elliot Sellars, development director at St Modwen, said: “The proposed new facility for Waters would deliver further expertise in this specialist area which is developing here at Longbridge.”It’s encouraging that globally recognised scientific organisations are seeing the potential that West Longbridge has to offer in terms of attracting talented staff and the benefits of the location geographically.”Interest in opportunities at Longbridge are gaining momentum from businesses here in the West Midlands and also throughout the world, which bodes well for the future.”Adrian Capes, site director at Waters, added: “We are really excited to progress with this application that represents a significant investment for our business.”After carefully considering a range of options throughout the West Midlands, we felt that Longbridge provided the perfect environment to meet our immediate business objectives as well as those for the next decade and beyond.”The wider West Longbridge Business Park is expected to create up to 5,000 jobs, with work on access roads and landscaping already underway following £20m of infrastructure investment in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).Andy Street, the mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This latest planning application for the ongoing regeneration of Longbridge maintains the momentum of this exciting project that is delivering opportunities locally, regionally and nationally.”It’s pleasing that the WMCA have been able to contribute to the ongoing development that is positively impacting Longbridge today and creating a legacy for future generations.”