Access road planned to Stoneleigh Park
A partnership between Warwickshire County Council and Advantage West Midlands is to see an improved road off the A46 Kenilworth Bypass, enabling access to an innovation centre to be built as part of a development to the) Stoneleigh site of the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE).
Advantage West Midlands is funding the improved roadworks which will see a link road constructed from the existing A46 trunk road to Stoneleigh Park off the B4115.
Modifications will also be made to the slip roads off the A46, to the existing bridge over the A46 and to the junction of the A429 junction at Gibbet Hill. There will also be modifications to the Thickthorn Roundabout on the A46 at Kenilworth to provide traffic signals.
The £12million project will be funded by Advantage west Midlands through two agreements. The first agreement will pay for the design of the works. The second agreement will allow the construction contract to be awarded around Summer 2009. Warwickshire County Council will be responsible for overseeing the entire project.
RASE is currently working with partners to secure the development of the site with improved facilities throughout, including an innovation park, to enhance its standing as a conference venue as well as a showground.
Councillor Chris Saint, portfolio holder for economic development with Warwickshire County Council, said: “An innovation centre and enterprise park at Stoneleigh will be of major benefit to the region. Stoneleigh is already a prized local asset, and with the additional development and facilities, will become a magnet for rural enterprise in the region which will in turn lead to employment.
“I am delighted that Advantage West Midlands have confirmed their support for this project to enable the County Council to create a transport system that complies with a green travel plan whilst ensuring that traffic in and around Stoneleigh Park runs smoothly.”