A LONG-AWAITED £120 million technology park has been handed a new name - with hopes high that 'Worcester 6' will attract interest from around the world.

Decision-makers have revealed that work on the Worcester Technology Park project, which was handed detailed planning approval earlier this month, will go ahead this summer.

They have also renamed the complex, saying they expect high quality employers to take advantage of its location off Junction 6 of the M5 at Tibberton.

Bosses with a stake in its future say they believe it will be the "best business site" between Bristol and Birmingham.

As your Worcester News first revealed last September it is expected to create 5,000 new jobs, with 1.5 million square foot of floor space being made available in a range of business units.

Birmingham-based Stoford, which was handed the role as developer by landowners The Spetchley Estate, says infrastructure design and off-site highways improvements will start by the summer.

Director Gerard Ludlow said: “It is fantastic news that 'Worcester 6' now has a deliverable planning consent and we are looking forward to making good progress with this important project this year.

"We are confident the development, which is in a very strong location, will attract high-quality occupiers who will bring jobs and investment into the area."

Gary Woodman, executive director of Worcestershire's Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: "It is the best development site between Birmingham and Bristol with first class access and connectivity to the rest of UK.

"Worcestershire is a world class place for business and, now that planning consent has been granted, the creation of high quality employment opportunities can continue at pace.

"We will start this summer with work to Pershore Lane, which will be funded by us using the Government’s Growth Deal."

Councillor Simon Geraghty, deputy leader of Worcestershire County Council and cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: “Creating the supply of employment land is vital to support business conditions to allow companies to grow and compete on the world’s stage."

The ambitious plans for the park have been in the pipeline for years and were first given outline planning approval in 2011, but suffered a major hit the following year when Worcester Bosch pulled out as the main anchor tenant.

But after funding was secured the county council has been intent on developing the site regardless, and is involved in serious negotiations over possible tenants, including interest from China.

Overall completion of Worcester 6 is expected in 2017.

Visit www.worcester6.co.uk for more details.