Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands has acquired another 18 acres of land at Longbridge as part of a campaign to establish a 'high-technology haven' along the A38.

The agency, one of nine regional development bodies in England is investing a total of £10.6m in creating high-technology land in partnership with St Modwen Developments Ltd. It bought 40 acres of surplus land at the Longbridge site last year. Demolition of the existing Rover buildings is expected to start in the spring.

- In December, MG Rover's owner Phoenix Venture Holdings promised the TGWU and Amicus unions that future sales of surplus property at Loingbridge would benefit MG Rover rather than the directors of its holding company.