Plans to unlock 'full development potential ' of NEC site

Part of the NEC site in Solihull could be unlocked for a major development.

The NEC Group says it is working with Birmingham City Council to “unlock the development potential of the NEC site ” for a mixed-use scheme.

The 140-hectare site is already home to the National Exhibition Centre, Resorts World, and the Resorts World Arena, as well as being in close proximity to Birmingham Airport and the new HS2 Interchange station.

Both the NEC Group and the City Council are landowners and believe the time is right to “reconfirm a shared ambition for the site 's future development ”.

Paul Thandi, CEO of the NEC Group, said: “I am delighted to have a shared ambition with Birmingham City Council to unlock the full development potential of the NEC site.

“Not only is the site home of the country's premier destination for exhibitions and events it is also an unrivalled opportunity to deliver a major mixed-use development with leading edge sustainability credentials.

“The NEC Group is committed to realising this future growth and is excited to continue to work in partnership with the City Council. ”

Birmingham City Council sold the NEC Group in 2014 but has retained a freehold interest in the land at the NEC site.

The NEC Group was acquired in 2018 by global investment business Blackstone.

Ian MacLeod, acting director, Inclusive Growth at Birmingham City Council: “When the NEC was opened in 1976 it marked the beginning of a new economic era and international outlook for the Midlands.

“The City Council is committed to driving forward economic growth and the repositioning of the region on the global stage.

“By working in partnership with the NEC Group we can define a hugely exciting future for the NEC site that will bring significant economic benefits to people in the local area and contribute to supporting our route to net zero. ”

The NEC Group is also a long-standing patron of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “The further development of the NEC is an exciting prospect for one of the most important destinations in the country.

“The plan by the NEC and the city council to include homes in the development represents a huge step by creating living space in the heart of the country along with existing assets and major developments, like HS2. ”