A MULTI-million pound project that could create more than 5,000 new jobs in Worcestershire has moved a step closer to reality.

The £120 million Worcester Technology Park offers a vital boost to the county's economy, according to its backers.

And the vision for the park, earmarked for a 70-acre site near junction 6 of the M5, moved closer to fruition today (Tuesday, September 23) with the appointment of a development partner.

Landowner The Spetchley Estate has chosen Birmingham-based development group Stoford as the firm to lead plans forward.

The developer has appointed lead planning consultant Barton Willmore to submit a reserved matters planning application by early November.

It is thought the scheme will provide up to 1.5 million sq ft of commercial space.

Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership have identified the location as one of four ‘game changer’ sites that will drive the county’s economic future prosperity.

These will benefit the area and bring in new industry and new technology.

Peter Pawsey, executive chairman of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "The Worcestershire Strategic Economic Plan puts this key employment site at the top of its priorities for economic growth and job creation.

"It is the best undeveloped site between Birmingham and Bristol with first class access and connectivity to the rest of UK.

"The development will bring Worcester and the county ‘out from behind the curtains’ and be fundamental in our drive to create a World Class Worcestershire for inward investment and growth.”

Councillor Simon Geraghty, deputy leader of the county council and cabinet member with responsibility for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: “The county council's top priority is to ensure Worcestershire is 'open for business'.

"The delivery of these ‘game changer’ sites, along with other infrastructure schemes, is a key part of the drive to ensure that business in the county thrives.

"Creating the supply of employment land is vital to support business conditions to allow companies to grow and compete on the world’s stage.”

A public consultation on the detailed proposals is to take place at Tibberton Village Hall from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday, October 11.