AN ‘AMBITIOUS’ £3billion masterplan mapping out the future of the Arden Cross site in Solihull has been launched.
Arden Cross Limited plans to create a new business, leisure and residential destination and a ‘world-leading economic hub’ at the site, which will be home to the HS2 Interchange Station.
The company says the site, which is around the size of 140 football pitches, has the potential to boost the Midlands economy by over £1billion, create and support up to 27,000 new jobs, and deliver up to 3,000 new homes and up to six million square feet of commercial development connected through new public realm and green spaces.
The HS2 Interchange Station, the first HS2 stop outside London, will connect to Curzon Street Station in Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester, while an automated people mover from the station will whisk visitors and commuters to the NEC, Resorts World, Birmingham International Station and Birmingham Airport.
Arden Cross Limited director Ben Gray said: “The intention for Arden Cross has always been to deliver a world class development with the HS2 Interchange Station at its heart and by launching our masterplan, we are a step closer to delivering that ambition.
“Our site provides the opportunity to deliver significant economic growth and a sustainable mixed use environment bringing together new homes, work and learning places, all served by extensive transport links and car free public spaces.
“Unlocking this transformational opportunity will require a collaborative approach between the public and private sector, and as we put our masterplan on show for the first time I am looking forward to continuing to work closely with central government, Solihull Council, the Urban Growth Company, the West Midlands Combined Authority, regional stakeholders and local communities to bring our plans to fruition.”
Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, welcomed the launch of the masterplan, describing it as “exactly the kind of vision and ambition that will help to drive both the regional and national economy forward”.
He said: “By actively working together and capitalising on the jump start that HS2 has created, Arden Cross has the opportunity to be truly transformational and deliver a whole new business and residential community of national importance, centred around the principles of sustainability and connectivity, while also creating new neighbourhoods and locations for leisure and learning as well as living and working.”
Arden Cross is a part of the UK Central Hub, an economic strategic vision being driven by Solihull Council and supported by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), West Midlands Combined Authority and central government.
Nick Brown, chairman of the Urban Growth Company (UGC) which is leading infrastructure investment and development across the UK Central Hub, said: “We welcome the ambition of this masterplan which is perfectly aligned to our wider ambitions for the UK Central Hub.
“For example, we now see HS2 on board with plans for The Hub, including support for multi-storey car parks at Arden Cross rather than surface car parks which would hugely frustrate development opportunities there.
“That coming together of partners and agreement of shared principles means we are moving ever closer to our joint goal of greenbelt release and delivering high-quality, sustainable, mixed-use development. That is how we’ll create the jobs, homes, commercial spaces and world-class connectivity the region needs now more than ever.”
Solihull Council leader Coun Ian Courts said: “Arden Cross and the UK Central Hub are crucial for realising the potential of Solihull and the region.
“From high value manufacturing sites to a learning campus and innovation district, Arden Cross will be designed to support and pioneer new ideas and technological innovation while being highly sustainable by design.”
Arden Cross Limited was formed by the Arden Cross Consortium, comprising three landowners who between them own the development site – Birmingham City Council, Coleshill Estate and Packington Estate.
The masterplan document, developed in partnership with public sector stakeholders, sets out the proposed framework and structure of the long term development. Visit www.ardencross.com to view it.
Further detail supporting the masterplan will be launched in September, together with an online survey inviting views from the public.
