AWM steps in at former Jaguar HQ site in Coventry

  Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands (AWM) has stepped in to acquire a major site in Coventry to ensure the site is brought forward for development.   AWM has paid £9.8m for around 22 acres of land at the 100-acre former Jaguar HQ site at Browns Lane in Coventry from Goodman.   The money pays for part of the land and the necessary remediation to bring forward a 645,000 sq ft office scheme on the site plus manufacturing space.   Mick Laverty, chief executive of AWM, said: “Our intervention at Browns Lane is a direct response to the economic downturn. In better times the market would have sustained the development.   “We are working closely with Goodman on this project to help maintain momentum, specifically by acquiring the land and ensuring work progresses with the preparation of on-site infrastructure.” A spokesman for Goodman added: “This was a strategic decision and we are now committed to developing the remaining land and undertaking site remediation and infrastructure works. In the next few weeks, we will be submitting outline plans for more than 40 acres of mixed-use space with a focus on manufacturing and offices.”   lisa.pilkington@rbi.co.uk