Major Birmingham regeneration scheme unveiled at MIPIM

Birmingham City Council, along with key private sector and institutional partners, launched the ‘once in a generation’ opportunity at MIPIM, the international property conference in Cannes.

The Birmingham Central Heart scheme brings together several major city centre sites, including Martineau Galleries, Martineau Place, Cherry Street, Cannon Street, Carrs Lane, Union Street, 42 High Street, and City Arcade, to regenerate around four hectares of under-used retail and office space.

More than 5,000 new homes, over 400,000 sq m of commercial floorspace and more than seven hectares of new and improved public space, supported by new transport connections, are expected to be delivered.

Approximately 8,000 jobs will also be created, according to Birmingham City Council.

Joanne Roney, managing director of Birmingham City Council, who led the delegation at MIPIM, 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.”

Birmingham Central Heart will act as a key gateway between HS2 Curzon Street Station, the Bullring, New Street Station, the Colmore Business District and the wider city centre, with new linear green routes, safer streets for walking and cycling and better links to employment, education and cultural destinations.

The ambition is to double green space in the central area, creating new places to relax, play and meet in the city’s busiest streets.

Birmingham Central Heart sits within the emerging Central Heart Growth Zone of the Birmingham Local Plan and is aligned with the Central Birmingham Framework 2045 and the Economy and Place Strategy, which identifies the area as critical to the city’s long-term growth.

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.