Pictured above: CGI of the development
St. Modwen and its partner Advantage West Midlands have received
unanimous planning approval from Birmingham City Council for the
new £70 million Longbridge town centre, which will create
over 1,000 jobs.
The new Longbridge town centre will be delivered in three
phases, with an 85,000 sq ft (50,000 sq ft net sales area)
Sainsbury's store, car park, two acre urban park and elements of
the new high street delivered in the first phase. Phases two and
three will comprise an 80-bed hotel, 40 apartments, further retail
space and car parking, with a total of 80,000 sq ft of retail space
and restaurants being delivered in addition to the Sainsbury's
store.
The new two acre Austin Park will lead to the opening up of the
river Rea for the first time in 100 years. The Longbridge town
centre development will also create new access roads and continued
local road improvements for the £1 billion flagship
regeneration scheme.
Bill Oliver, chief executive of St. Modwen, said: "We are
delighted to have received planning permission for the new town
centre at Longbridge. With Sainsbury's already signed up to take
the foodstore and many discussions taking place with other
potential retailers and occupiers, we will now look to commence
construction of the first phase before the end of the year."
Cllr Timothy Huxtable, Cabinet Member for Transportation and
Regeneration said: "Once complete, Longbridge town centre will
establish a new heart for the local community and a focal point for
the overall £1 billion regeneration of the former MG Rover
works. The development will provide an important economic
boost to the area and create a diverse range of employment
opportunities, potentially creating over 1,000 jobs."
Michael Adenmosun, Regional Development Executive for
Sainsbury's Supermarket Ltd commented: "The regeneration of
Longbridge and the landmark town centre scheme will transform the
area and breathe a new lease of life into Longbridge. Sainsbury's
is proud to be part of this vision and make a difference to this
community."
The £66 million Bournville College, which is situated
within the Longbridge town centre site, is nearing the end of its
construction programme and will welcome its first students in
September 2011. Elsewhere at Longbridge, the first two office
buildings to be completed at the Technology Park are virtually
fully let. Construction work is underway at Park View, the first
new residential scheme at Longbridge, which will deliver 115 houses
and apartments. A planning application is currently being prepared
for up to 750 homes and a a new park at Longbridge East, while
planning permission was recently granted for a new 'myplace' youth
centre for 13-19 year olds, which will be developed with Birmingham
City Council.
Prior to submission of the detailed planning application for the
town centre, there was widespread community support for the
development plans, with over 600 people attending the public
consultation event. St. Modwen has continuously welcomed the input
of local people, recognising the need for the regeneration to
engender a sense of pride in the area. Creating a choice of retail,
leisure and residential space that adequately meets the needs of
Longbridge is helping to highlight the area as a thriving
innovative community with a positive future.
The 468 acre Longbridge site is being transformed by St. Modwen
and Advantage West Midlands as part of the £1 billion
regeneration of the former MG Rover works, delivering a sustainable
community with the creation of 10,000 new jobs and up to 2,000 new
homes.