A new Birmingham Central Heart Prospectus has been unveiled to international investors by Birmingham City Council. It includes creating over 5,000 homes, 8,000 jobs, more than 400,000 sqm of commercial floorspace and 7 hectares of new public space.
The area will act as a key gateway between HS2 Curzon Street Station and Central BID’s area around New Street Station to Bullring, as well as towards Colmore Business District and the wider city centre.
The Birmingham Central Heart Prospectus was launched to global investors at MIPIM – The International Market for Real Estate Professionals – in Cannes, France, this week.
Proposals include safer streets for walking and cycling and better connections to public transport. The ambition is to double green space in Birmingham’s central area, creating new places to relax, play and meet in the city’s busiest streets.
Described as “one of the most exciting investment opportunities in the UK”, the plans would transform around four hectares of under-used retail and office space in and around Birmingham city centre into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood. It would be supported by new transport connections, green spaces and public realm improvements.
Joanne Roney, Managing Director of Birmingham City Council, said: “The Birmingham Central Heart Prospectus outlines one of the most exciting investment opportunities in the UK, but it is not just about buildings.
“Our message to investors is clear; if you want to back a growing, youthful, diverse city with a clear plan and a strong partnership between the council, business and communities, Birmingham is the place to invest.”
If plans go ahead, around 8,000 new jobs would be created in sectors such as professional and financial services, tech, hospitality, retail and construction.
The council added that the move would also support local shops, cafes, cultural venues and small businesses by increasing footfall and extending activity into the evenings in a safer and better-lit environment.
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “Our aim is to turn empty or outdated buildings into new homes, workplaces and green spaces that serve our communities.
“We are clear that this is about inclusive, sustainable growth and working with our Mayoral Development Corporation, Business Improvement Districts(BIDs), landowners, communities and public sector partners so that regeneration raises standards, protects our heritage and delivers real social value for Birmingham people.”
Plans are also being brought forward to establish the Birmingham East Mayoral Development Corporation, a new statutory body expected to be formally in place by 2027, which will help accelerate regeneration, co‑ordinate infrastructure and unlock funding across Birmingham Central Heart, Digbeth and the wider east Birmingham and North Solihull area.
The council is working closely with regional and national partners, including the West Midlands Combined Authority and government-backed finance institutions, to link Central Heart projects with appropriate funding streams.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “My focus is not on grand visions that sit on paper, it’s on delivering prosperity that reaches all communities. That’s more homes, better-paid jobs, and the right infrastructure to give everyone the best opportunity to get on in life.
“We already have the confidence of the private sector with billions of pounds of investment coming into the Sports Quarter and Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, and we’ll go even further with Central Heart Birmingham as part of the HS2-led regeneration of the city.”