Jobs boost pledge for Battersea

Supporters say the plans will bring a new open space and jobs

The company which owns Battersea Power Station has offered to pay £600,000 over four years to help south Londoners get jobs as part of its redevelopment.

The Grade II-listed station is being renovated and a £500m housing, leisure and retail complex is being created on its 38-acre site.

Wandsworth Council says the development will create up to 9,000 jobs.

Owners Parkview International promised financial support for local job schemes as part of its planning permission.

'Jobs hub'

A proposed new centre, which the council describes as a "hub for local businesses and job hunters", could be built on Battersea Park Road and is expected to open in the autumn.

It would recruit construction workers and staff for the development and will also be funded by the government's Job Centre Plus, Wandsworth Council and the Cross River Partnership.

Councillor Kathy Tracey said those behind the project wanted the local community to benefit from its job opportunities.

Proposals for the new centre will be considered by a council committee on 13 April.