BROMSGROVE has taken a huge leap forward in the technological age, as work began this week on a groundbreaking technology park.

Bromsgrove Technology Park is expected to create around 350 jobs, and contractors Laser were given the go-ahead to move in on Friday at a ceremony led by Bromsgrove District Council's chairman, Councillor Jill Dyer, and Advantage West Midlands' chief executive, John Edwards.

The 23-acre development in Aston Fields will create a community of established and start-up companies that use technology as an integral part of their business.

It will also become a key site in the Central Technology Belt, a high-tech scheme to create long-term technology related business opportunities in the north Worcestershire region.

Alan Folwell, chief executive of the Central Technology Belt,said the park provided a significant base for Bromsgrove and the north of the county.

"The park represents an important milestone in the development of the Central Technology Belt and our exciting vision for the region."

The site, formerly owned by United Engineering Forgings (UEF), is the first under the scheme to receive approval to begin construction.

Work on the infra-structure is set for completion by the summer and potential occupiers and developers have already shown interest in plots.

John Edwards, chief executive at Advantage West Midlands, said: "In the changing global economy we must look towards creating employment opportunities in the technology markets.

"Bromsgrove Technology Park is an excellent example of how we are working towards this aim."

Jill Dyer, Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council said: "We at Bromsgrove District Council were very excited when Advantage West Midlands chose this site for a new technology park.

"This is a marvellous opportunity to expand the A38 technology corridor.

"The co-operation between the Council and Advantage West Midlands is most encouraging and from what I've heard, the project is going to be really successful."