NEC reveals urban village masterplan for 5,000 new homes - The Solihull Observer

NEC reveals urban village masterplan for 5,000 new homes

Solihull Editorial 11th Nov, 2021   0

A NEW urban village made up of 5,000 new homes and an outdoor event space on the NEC campus has been revealed.

The project would transform more than 27 hectares of land that is currently surplus or used for parking, the NEC Group said.

Its plans also include a new primary school, a new hotel, cafes, restaurants and offices on land next to the M42.

The NEC Group said the proposals for the brownfield site would create about 3,500 jobs and be home to 11,000 people.




Those behind it say this is the first major development scheme to be brought forward in the West Midlands since the pandemic and is a major boost to both the NEC Group and the region.

“Now is the time to be bold and ambitious about the future and harness the power of the real estate we have to offer, whilst simultaneously maximising the benefits of having a young, diverse and entrepreneurial population,” said Paul Thandi, the NEC Group chief executive.


The masterplan has been produced by NCL Developments – a Warwickshire company run by Birmingham City Council’s former director of planning and regeneration Waheed Nazir and its former assistant director of planning Richard Cowell – in partnership with Glenn Howells Architects.

Nigel Hudson, strategy and planning director at the Urban Growth Company, the company behind UK Central, said: “We’re delighted to see the level of ambition set out in the NEC’s updated masterplan, which reflects our shared vision for The Hub.

“As one of the most important partners contributing to the economic, social and environmental benefits that The Hub will deliver, the NEC plays a crucial role as we collectively create Europe’s best-connected destination for business, leisure and living.”

An automated people mover is part of the HS2 designs, connecting the new station with the NEC campus, Birmingham International station and Birmingham Airport.

The HS2 line from London to Birmingham is currently scheduled to be open by 2033 and the first phase of 2,240 homes on the NEC campus are planned to be completed by 2036.

Critics may fear the development will over heat the Solihull area, and further add to congestion on the M42 motorway.

Local residents and businesses have been called on to have their say about the project during a six-week public consultation which runs from now until Christmas Eve.

That will be followed by the selection of a development partner for the first phase of the urban village.

To have your say visit https://www.necgroup.co.uk/masterplan/have-your-say/

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