“All too often the huge potential offered by the redevelopment of the site has not been recognised beyond our local area. Previous council administrations’ pre-occupation with the city centre meant key investment opportunities to build jobs and opportunities in South West Birmingham were being missed, despite constant pressure from myself and other local representatives for a different approach.

“Upgrading Longbridge station and capitalising on the area’s location with improved transport links have been a priority for us locally. Two years ago we ‘took the law into our own hands’ when I convened a Longbridge Connectivity summit to push for Longbridge to get the priority it deserves. The summit brought together Centro, site developers St Modwen, Bournville College, London Midland. Network Rail and the City Council, together with myself and local councillors. The Longbridge Connectivity Group was born and today’s announcement is a tribute to the work it has done.

“The Longbridge story so far highlights how much we can achieve if national government is prepared to devolve power and resources to our towns and cities, and if city government engages better with people and businesses in local areas. That is why it is good that Longbridge and the other GSLEP projects have received backing from the Government’s Local Growth Deal. But it is also a reminder that the government should be far more ambitious. Overall, today’s packages are a fraction of what is needed. In government circles, there is still far too much preoccupation with London compared to the rest of the country. The recent report by Lord Adonis shows how much more could be done to rebalance our country’s economy if there is the will to do it.