Jobs boost as JLR looks to expansion

The new L-shape development alongside the company's existing i54 plant could be completed within two years – although exactly what it will be producing remains a closely-guarded secret.

The single-storey building will be up to 11 metres high and built to match the existing £500 million, 100,000sqm engine plant.

A planning application is scheduled to be submitted next month, and work could start on the 85,000sqm development as soon as October.

It is expected to take up to 18 months to complete the main building.

The site will start being levelled next month while the application is being considered by South Staffordshire District Council.

Around 500 construction jobs will be created by the project with those in charge committed to ensuring at least a quarter of those go to local people.

JLR is not giving details of workforce numbers and is refusing to say what it will actually build in the new factory.

Spokeswoman Sarah McCarthy said an announcement on the use of the building would probably be made in the autumn, to coincide with the start of construction work.

Matthew Goer, from Associated Architects, said the design of the building would largely follow that of the existing factory, drawn up by Arup.

"It will provide a lot of flexible space for whatever they decide to make," he said.

Around 1,000 car parking spaces will be created around the new factory, although JLR says it is hoping to encourage car sharing, bicycling and the use of public transport among its new workers.

The proposals for the new factory are on display at the Pendeford Community Hub as part of JLR's consultation programme with the community, as it seeks local views and opinions on the scheme.