Council is a step closer to realising its vision for Crewe.

 

Cheshire East Council is a step closer to realising its vision to create a world-class automotive research and development centre.

The Council has worked intensively with Bentley Motors to support their expansion by unlocking key sites next to their existing operation.

The move enables Bentley to create Europe’s leading research and development centre for the luxury car industry to support their global expansion on the back of their £140m investment over three years in Crewe.

It will deliver 300 new and sustainable jobs with further significant number of jobs within the supply chain.

The investment will create significant long-term demand for a skilled and educated workforce. Bentley has a long-standing commitment to working with local colleges and higher education providers to support learning and development opportunities.

In addition, a further investment to support the expansion a dedicated supplier park is also set to be created, bringing further jobs to the town.

The UK car industry is worth £60bn and Bentley is one of only eight luxury and sports car makers in the UK and one of only two in the North West. It made 10,120 cars last year and exports 85percent of its vehicles to major markets in the US, China and Europe.

Their expansion will allow the Council to pursue its waste strategy by developing a bespoke waste transfer station.

The realisation of the Council’s waste strategy will have many benefits of minimising landfill and supporting energy from waste initiatives. It will also lower long-term costs and improve resilience within the system. There are no planned job losses with such a move.

The Council’s existing site at Pym’s Lane is not suitable to effectively manage the authority’s waste for the next 30 years. Moving to one suitable bespoke site will also bring forward new employment opportunities, as well as helping the Council meet its waste recycling rates and carbon reduction plans.

Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council said: “This is the right deal and is yet another piece in the jigsaw of our vision to create a world-class automotive research and development centre and rail hub in Crewe.

“The Council and Bentley came together to develop this opportunity as we were aware of their ambitions and we are committed to their success.

“This is another example of us working successfully with them to push forward with growth and developing automotive science.

“We believe in this project and I’d like to thank Bentley for believing in Cheshire East and believing in the UK.

“We have been able to move at a pace most authorities simply couldn’t manage to ensure this project goes ahead.

“This deal also enables us to bring forward implementation of our waste strategy creating a cost-effective, robust and sustainable waste service.

“An improved service, reduced long-term costs, increased efficiency and lower carbon emissions are all vitally important to us creating a green and sustainable place to live, work and visit.”