IM Properties has submitted a planning application for a £343 million state-of-the-art employment park, named Thrive, aimed at driving economic growth and securing advanced manufacturing, R&D, and logistics jobs across the region.

The proposal by the Midlands-based property developer outlines a 135-hectare site near Curdworth, adjacent to Junction 9 of the M42. If approved, the development could deliver up to 6,000 full-time jobs and 3 million square feet of industrial space, with at least 30% allocated to advanced manufacturing. The application has been submitted to both North Warwickshire Borough Council and Birmingham City Council.

"Against a challenging global economic and geopolitical backdrop, the West Midlands needs a new employment site to support domestic high quality advanced manufacturing, R&D and logistics," said Lewis Payne, development director at IM Properties. "This is vital to securing a resilient, diverse local economy, and at a time when opportunities for many people in Britain are limited, it's also about ensuring we can create skilled jobs and deliver wider social value.

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"Thrive is central to supporting the region’s industrial strategy and it can create significant new job opportunities across North Warwickshire, north east Birmingham and north Solihull."

With only an estimated one year’s supply of strategic employment land remaining along the M42 corridor, Thrive is being pitched as a critical addition to the region’s economic infrastructure. The development aims to serve a range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, rail, low carbon, and digital technologies, while also offering space for entrepreneurial start-ups and high-value logistics firms.

The site is designed to support businesses in transitioning to all-electric operations and will feature buildings that aim for the highest environmental standards, including the UK’s first Passivhaus-standard industrial units for start-ups.

The site layout dedicates around 50% of the land to green and blue infrastructure, including lakes, community orchards, allotments, play areas, and reflection zones. A central green corridor will connect to a mobility hub offering eco-friendly transport options such as buses, bicycles, e-scooters, and smart EV charging.

The application follows two rounds of public consultation involving local communities, businesses, and over 50 key stakeholders. IM Properties has also worked with a youth panel to ensure the development addresses local needs, particularly in employment and skills development.

The developer has committed to a comprehensive social value strategy, focused on education, wellbeing, inclusive employment, and accessibility. These efforts align with its broader Sustainable Futures strategy, which prioritises People, Planet and Place.

In line with emerging Net Zero Carbon Building Standards, Thrive will utilise renewable technologies, low-energy design, and sustainable procurement practices. Occupiers will also be encouraged to adopt green leases and where feasible, operate as net zero businesses.