WORK has begun on a multi-million pound technology park near the site of the former MG Rover plant.

The 40-acre Longbridge Technology Park is set to create around 10,000 new jobs and provide a new heart for the area following the demise of the car manufacturer, which provided jobs for many local people in the Rubery, Rednal, Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa areas.

The Rover closure particularly hit a number of manufacturing suppliers in the two towns.

The complex is being built by St Modwen Properties PLC in partnership with Advantage West Midlands (AWM).

Development of the 40-acre site began last week with the launch of the £15 million first phase.

Long-term plans could see the regeneration of 342 acres of the former MG Rover works.

The venture will be at the heart of the Central Technology Belt, which stretches from Birmingham out to Malvern along the A38 technology corridor.

It is hoped that the project's first phase, comprising of two landmark buildings situated on the corner of the A38 and Longbridge Lane, will be completed by April.

Chief executive of Advantage West Midlands, John Edwards, said: "High technology is the future for this part of the Longbridge site and, subject to planning permission, we look forward to continuing to work with St Modwen on this exciting scheme."

Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride said: "It is very good news that the regeneration of that site has now started.

"There has been a lot of heartache over the collapse of MG Rover and we are seeing that it can now rise from the ashes.

"We can have new jobs and a better future."