Arena Central site moves to next phase
The redevelopment of the Arena Central site in the city centre is set to be brought forward - subject to approval by Birmingham City Council Cabinet on 18 November - bringing jobs to the city and delivering a high-quality landscaped site, ready for future development and investment.
With approval for the redevelopment of the 9.2 acre site secured by partners Birmingham City Council and Arena Central Developments LLP (ACDL), progress has been steady with the refurbishment of the Crowne Plaza Hotel and the demolition of the former multi storey car park at the junction of Holliday Street and Bridge Street.
ACDL now plans to move the redevelopment into its next phase by demolishing the remainder of the site, enabling the installation of vital infrastructure into the site to make it attractive for investors.
Further details of a first phase of 100,000 sq ft of offices on the site are due to be announced in the New Year.
Councillor Tahir Ali, cabinet member for development, jobs and skills, said: “I am very pleased to see the recent progress of this exciting development. Arena Central is a key part of the city centre Enterprise Zone, along with Paradise Circus.
“With plans approved to extend the Midland Metro and regenerate Centenary Square, Arena Central will play a vital role in bringing growth and investment to the city.
”This important site needs to be brought back into effective use. By progressing this development we will be revitalising the area, as well as creating jobs and capturing valuable investment.”
Alongside other sites such as Paradise Circus and the new Library of Birmingham, Arena Central forms a key element of the Big City Plan as part of the Westside Area of Transformation,
Jonathan Wallis, Development Director, Arena Central Development LLP, said: “Arena Central represents a leading, transformational scheme that will create a thriving mixed-use hub at the heart of the Big City Plan, supported through our location within the City Centre Enterprise Zone.
“With its proximity to the Library of Birmingham, the established city core, Brindleyplace and The Mailbox, this site is one of the most strategically important in the city and will help to create a fully connected, 21st Century location for business and leisure visitors.”
Outline planning consent for Arena Central is already in place for up to 2.3 million sq ft of mixed-use development, including 800,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation, hotels and residential units of over 200,000 sq ft alongside up to 1.2 million sq ft of retail/leisure units set within well maintained public realm.
For more information contact Steve McCarthy in the press office on 0121 303 3367.
- ends -
Notes to Editors
Arena Central is a joint venture between Miller Developments and Bridgehouse Capital, comprising a circa £400m development with existing outline planning permission for up to 2.3 million sq ft of mixed-use development, comprising offices, hotel, residential, leisure and retail space, car parking and a public square forming the centrepiece of the development. Existing buildings on the site include Alpha Tower and the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
The vision for Arena Central is to create a number of 'oven-ready' development plots, all of which will be set within an inspirational public realm with a uniquely landscaped pedestrian walkway - designed to echo the urban styles of New York's High Line, the Promenade Plantee in Pars and London's own Olympic Park - running through the heart of the scheme.
