As council leaders launch a ‘Back the Bypass’ campaign today the planned Hereford
Bypass is now set to become a catalyst for largescale economic transformation,
positioning the city as a prime destination for inward investment. More than a transport
upgrade, the project is designed to open new corridors for business expansion, housing
delivery and long-term prosperity.
Phase One of the project is already secured, with Herefordshire Council allocating £45
million to deliver a new strategic link road connecting the southern edge of the city with
key employment zones, including the Hereford Enterprise Zone. With construction
expected to begin in late 2026, early benefits will be visible sooner rather than later,
providing confidence to investors evaluating the region’s growth trajectory.
Phase Two represents the next leap forward. To the west of the city, 150 hectares of
employment land will be unlocked, creating fresh opportunities for advanced
manufacturing, green industries and innovation-led enterprises. The wider development
enabled by the scheme supports an estimated 10,000 new jobs and facilitates the
delivery of 14,000 homes—foundations that will strengthen Hereford’s labour market,
diversify its business base and stimulate further private investment.
As a nationally significant scheme, phase two is envisioned to be funded through a blend
of government investment, targeted grants and private capital. This approach reflects the
scale of the opportunity: new utilities infrastructure, strategic site access and
value capture mechanisms will all play a role in shaping a modern, high growth corridor.
To support this, the Council is advancing a robust programme of evidence gathering and
business case submissions, including pursuit of inclusion in the government’s Road
Investment Strategy 4, demonstrating both the deliverability of the scheme and its
alignment with national priorities.
For investors seeking a region poised for major expansion, the Hereford Bypass stands
as a flagship opportunity—unlocking land, accelerating development and unleashing a
new era of economic potential.
Watch a concept video of the scheme showing the funded Phase 1 and how the later
phases may take shape.
