THE PLANNED gigafactory for Coventry Airport which will safeguard tens of thousands of jobs and create 4,500 more is a step closer after a public consultation was launched.
The survey is running until June 6 to gauge the views of residents and local community before proposals can be submitted.
In February, Coventry Airport was announced as the preferred site for a West Midlands Gigafactory – a battery-making factory which would supply the automotive industry – with Coventry City Council and Coventry Airport Ltd forming a joint venture partnership to bring a planning application forward.
Independent researchers The Faraday Institution estimates a failure to build a UK battery supply chain could cost more than 100,000 jobs by 2040.
As well as creating 4,500 direct jobs the gigafactory at Coventry Airport would save tens of thousands more roles across the supply chain and represents an investment of up to £2billion in the West Midlands.
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the consultation is being run online with multiple ways to engage with the proposals.
Coun Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member jobs and regeneration at Coventry City Council, said this was a significant step forward.
“Coventry, at the heart of the UK automotive sector has access to talent, world-leading research centres, and a mature supply chain – all of which are critical to delivering a Gigafactory.”
He urged residents and the local community to review the early proposals and have their say.
Andrew Bell, CEO of Regional City Airports which owns and manage Coventry Airport, said the site was ideal for the project and added he was excited to support the local partnership as proposals were brought forward.
“Over the coming weeks and months, we will be working with the local community and others to ensure the proposals deliver the maximum possible benefit to the area and region, and we encourage local people to take part in the consultation.”
Visit www.gigafactoryconsultation.co.uk for more information and to find out how to have their say.
