Graphic design student to brand city's green corridor

A final-year university student has won a competition to brand a city's multi-million pound green corridor.

Wolverhampton's Green Innovation Corridor (GIC) is a district focusing on green construction, computing and engineering.

The "visual identity" created by graphic design student James Thomas will help shape how the corridor is presented to businesses and communities as the regeneration initiative developed, the University of Wolverhampton said.

Thomas said it had been "a great opportunity to work on a real-world project".

"When approaching this brief, I spent time researching the Green Innovation Corridor and its purpose, particularly the construction and development elements, and brought those ideas into the design," said Thomas.

The university added the GIC, connecting the Springfield Campus, Science Park and the i54 business park, aimed to create opportunities "for skills development" and research collaboration.

"This is an exciting example of how our students are contributing to real-world projects that are shaping the future of our region," stated the university's chief operating officer Dr Pete Cross.

Thomas said he was looking forward to showcasing his work at "the Degree Show as I prepare to build a career in digital design, creating user-friendly websites, apps and systems".

He explained he chose to study at Wolverhampton because of "the supportive, small class sizes, which really allow you to develop your skills".

Judges praised his design for its clarity and "building and innovation imagery" had been incorporated, the university said.

The council has said four brownfield sites, designated as a West Midlands Investment Zone (WMIZ), would be redeveloped to "attract investment and create jobs focused on green construction, engineering, and digital technologies".

The university said that, backed by government funding and as part of the WMIZ, the corridor would create spaces for collaboration and enterprise.

Planning permission for the GIC was granted in January.

Council leader Stephen Simkins said it was "great to see one of the city's young people make such a valuable contribution to this transformative scheme for Wolverhampton".

"It provides GIC with a strong identity that will help showcase opportunities to investors and businesses seeking to locate in the corridor and be part of our community of innovators."

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