Staffordshire could gain more than 2,000 jobs and £116 million for the local economy if upgrades to the A50 at Uttoxeter, Blythe Bridge and Sudbury are delivered, according to a new economic assessment by Midlands Connect.
The study shows that by 2031, improvements along the A50 corridor could create 2,192 jobs across Staffordshire, including 470 in Stoke-on-Trent, 520 in East Staffordshire, 194 in Newcastle-under-Lyme, 151 in Staffordshire Moorlands and 241 in Stafford.
The impact could extend further, with 200 roles in Derby, 111 in Erewash, 167 in South Derbyshire, 104 in north-west Leicestershire and 34 in the Derbyshire Dales. The report also suggests households in Uttoxeter, East Staffordshire and the Derbyshire Dales could see a ‘small but significant’ increase in income due to improved connectivity.
The assessment estimates the upgrades would bring a £30 million jobs boost to Uttoxeter and East Staffordshire, £24 million to Stoke-on-Trent and £11 million to Newcastle. These benefits are linked to wider improvements along the A50/A500 corridor, which enhance access to commercial and residential land and properties.
Midlands Connect’s roads programme lead, Swati Mittal, said: “This wider analysis shows greater extent of previously not calculated economic benefits that would be more likely to accrue, particularly around the Uttoxeter area if we upgrade the A50. But those benefits don’t stop in Staffordshire, they ripple out to Derby, Derbyshire and even into rural areas like Derbyshire Dales.
“All of this means more jobs, more money in the local economy and small but significant boosts to household incomes.”
Jacob Collier MP, Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter, said: “This report makes crystal clear what many of us in Staffordshire have long known – upgrading the A50 is not just about easing congestion, it is about unlocking opportunity.
“The improvements around Uttoxeter, Blythe Bridge and Sudbury could mean thousands of new jobs, stronger local businesses and millions of pounds flowing into our economy. For families and employers in Burton, Uttoxeter and across our county, this investment would be transformational. I will continue to press for these upgrades to be delivered as quickly as possible so our communities can reap the benefits.”
