Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands has finalised plans for its flagship £67 million i54 development in Wolverhampton - a scheme which could create up to 6,000 high-paying jobs.

The agency has submitted planning applications to Wolverhampton City Council and South Staffordshire Council for official approval.

AWM, which owns the site on the city border with South Staffordshire, plans to transform 220 acres of brownfield land next to the M54 into a major employment site, creating thousands of jobs, primarily in high technology industries, by 2020.

Updated digital images of the i54 landscape include plans for a major single occupier using up to 135,000 sq metres of floorspace; a so-called Technology Gateway of iconic buildings for hi-tech companies and business support services; high-quality offices suitable for corporate businesses; a four-star hotel; a small business village; and a plots of various sizes to attract SMEs and start-ups.

A masterplan development framework was finalised following a local community and business involvement exercise carried out between April and July.

Resulting amendments to the original plans include the redesign of a new highway access to the M54.

The i54 schemei s being developed by AWM in conjunction with a range of local partners, including Wolverhampton City Council and South Staffordshire Council. The three planning applications submitted to the two local authorities include:

* Outline planning application for a strategic employment area comprising offices and workspaces, industrial units, education and research, ancillary services, open space and associated highways, footpaths and landscaping

* Detailed planning application for site preparation works comprising site remediation, groundworks, provision of infrastructure and landscaping including provision of ecological habitats

* Detailed planning application for a motorway access.

Planning approval is expected next spring following statutory consultations by the two planning authorities and presentations by AWM to local area forums and special interest groups between now and March.

David Blake, director for the Black Country at Advantage West Midlands, said: "i54 is a flagship development for the agency, which has a key priority to develop a diverse and dynamic business base.

"The development is of the highest calibre and it has taken meticulous preparation to get to this stage. We have listened to the needs voiced by the local community and business and adapted our plans accordingly.

"The people of the Black Country can look forward to i54 contributing an important part in making the West Midlands a world-class region in which to live, work, invest, learn and visit."

Meanwhile, Industry Minister Alun Michael has announced the reappointments of Nick Paul and Coun Richard Hyde to the management board of Advantage West Midlands.