Business News
Right on track: HS2 is an envious opportunity. Inset: Andy Street
Solihull’s HS2 hub is just the ticket
Plans to create a new, high-quality and sustainable urban quarter around the HS2 Interchange Station in Solihull have taken a major step forward after funding was secured – and the principles of designing new infrastructure and transport connections at the site were agreed. The Urban Growth Company
(UGC) – established by Solihull Council to maximise the opportunities around the new Interchange Station site – has worked to secure £9.8m of Devolution Deal funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to enable HS2 Ltd to design the changes. The UGC and Solihull Council
have also reached the basis of an agreement with HS2 Ltd about how the design process will be managed and delivered to support the vision for the new Interchange Station site over the next two years. This lays the foundations for
major development at the site near the NEC and Birmingham Airport, known as Arden Cross. A final deal will be signed this month.
‘HS2 offers the West Midlands an envious opportunity in terms of jobs, development and investment’
The changes include the
development of a plaza and public transport interchange to create a significant sense of arrival at the new HS2 station, replacing surface car parking with multi-storey car parks to free up more land for development; improved pedestrian links and incorporating additional capacity for future utilities requirements. The changes also support
reduced journey times on the automated people mover connecting passengers between Birmingham Airport, the NEC, Birmingham International Station and the HS2 Interchange Station. As well as ensuring the HS2
Interchange Station is better connected to local transport services, including future Metro and Sprint routes, the changes will
open-up the wider Arden Cross site for major development creating jobs, new commercial space and homes. Councillor Ian Courts,
deputy leader of Solihull Council, said: “This agreement means we really can make the most of HS2’s arrival and deliver up to 77,500 new jobs, 775,000 sq metres of commercial space, 4,000 new homes and generate £4.1bn every year as a result. It also means that people across the region will be better connected than ever, thanks to the improvements to local transport links.” UGC chairman Nick Brown said:
“We’ve always said The Hub area has the potential to drive nationally-significant economic growth – but only if the vision for Interchange Station site was sufficiently ambitious. “That’s why we’ll continue to
work hard with the WMCA and HS2 Ltd – to make sure these new plans for the Interchange Station site
match that ambition and are future-proof.” West Midlands
mayor Andy Street said: “HS2 offers the West Midlands an
envious opportunity in terms of jobs, development
and investment. “It also offers the opportunity to
really think about how we maximise the benefits for the wider borough of Solihull helping to drive economic performance and growth in what is already the UK’s economic powerhouse. “MIPIM is a worthy showcase for
plans as ambitious as these and it is fantastic to be able to showcase them to an audience of global investors.” Construction of the design changes is expected to be funded by further Devolution Deal HS2 Growth Strategy funds and will be subject to the necessary planning approvals.
• More Solihull news – Pages 36 and 37.
Region is key to property firm’s growth
Property consultancy WYG is looking to grow their presence in Birmingham thanks to the booming infrastructure sector in the West Midlands. Based at 54 Hagley Road, WYG cover a
variety of public and private sectors, working with international, national and local clients, providing a number of services including engineering consultancy, project management, asset management, procurement and design services. Now working regularly with Birmingham City Council, the largest local authority in Europe, WYG consider Birmingham to be part of their success story, and want to
be part of the new chapter in the history of the second city. With the construction of the Library,
redevelopment of Paradise Forum and regeneration of the city centre, this is a time of change for Birmingham. The recent announcement that Birmingham is to host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games has only added to the palpable air, with businesses and investors seeing more value in Birmingham. Keith Fenwick, director of WYG’s Birmingham office said: “We are excited by what Birmingham has to offer, which is why we have recently employed Rajiv Sudan, who has
come in as business development director. “He will be looking at building brand
awareness in the region and making the most out of the new opportunities we have working in Birmingham. Due to this, we will also be looking at growing our internal team, across all disciplines.’’ Mr Sudan said: ‘’With HS2 and the
Commonwealth Games coming to Birmingham, as well as the extension of the Centro line, we see great potential in growing our business here. With more people requiring accommodation, schools, roads and utilities, Birmingham has been recognised as a key area for growth.’’
April 2018 CHAMBERLINK 23
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