Calthorpe Estates and Wylam Investments (Edgbaston Holdings Limited) have been granted planning permission to develop the commercial element which will complete Edgbaston Mill.

This positive decision means that Edgbaston Mill, opposite Warwickshire County Cricket ground, will have a 200 bedroom hotel, complete with luxury health club including a spa and pool areas, café and three restaurants.

Ralph Minott, Director of Development for Calthorpe Estates said: "We are delighted the plans were unanimously approved by the committee. The endorsement concluded by the chair of the panel, referring to the proposal as 'an excellent high quality facility to support the world class stadium redevelopment,' completely concurs with the aspirations that Calthorpe Estates have held for a high quality leisure and retail destination in this part of Edgbaston for 10 years.

"Wylam Investments shared our enthusiasm to create an exceptional facility and have worked tirelessly to create what will be a great leisure destination for visitors and local people to enjoy. Wylam Investments have been keen to move with speed and we are grateful for the clarity and prompt response to the options presented throughout the pre-application phase by the planning team at Birmingham City Council.

"The design of the leisure complex is in keeping with surrounding developments and particularly the successful Redrow Hemisphere development opposite, which is already constructed and over 95% occupied. It will also blend well with the large public space and landscaping at Edgbaston Mill using high quality materials."

Alastair Cattrell, Chief Executive of Wyman Investments commented, "We saw an opportunity to introduce a superb hotel and leisure facilities. Some people may consider Birmingham has enough hotels, but we believe a truly magnificent hotel on the edge of the city opposite a world famous sporting landmark will attract discerning travellers and local people. 

"No other site can offer the surrounding facilities of Edgbaston Mill, including an international cricket venue and one of the best parks in Birmingham, combined with such easy access to the city centre.

"We also looked at the catchment near-by and will be offering exceptional leisure, health and dining facilities that will appeal to people living and working near-by and on the Calthorpe Estate - including three superb new restaurants."

With planning approval now confirmed the timetable is to start on site on in Spring 2011 with the aim to open the hotel and leisure complex by Spring 2012 ahead of the London Olympics. Contractors Anglo Holt have been appointed to undertake the scheme.

This latest planning approval follows approval for the new Aldi store at Edgbaston Mill, fronting Edgbaston Road, earlier this year. Work has started to develop the new design store using contemporary materials that are sympathetic to the natural landscape. Aldi will be opening its store on March 31st 2011.