Business News


BID secures new five-year term


Colmore BID has secured a new five-year term representing Birmingham’s business district following a successful renewal ballot of its members. A total of 96 per cent businesses


voted in favour of the Colmore BID continuing. The turnout was 64 per cent -


the highest turnout for a BID renewal ballot in the country for 2018. Colmore BID’s new term will


begin on 1 April, 2019. Michele Wilby, executive director


of Colmore BID, said: “A third term will see over £6m being invested over five years into Birmingham city centre. “A third term allows us to


continue to deliver on our transformational public realm programme around Snow Hill station and the surrounding areas and we will bolster our on-street presence to provide more support to businesses and partners in relation to security and street scene issues. “In addition to the aims set out


in our Business Plan, we will continue to explore innovative ways to ensure that Colmore Business District continues to be a key UK business hub.”


Store shake-up: an artist’s drawing of the former Rackhams building


Reimagined plan for Rackhams


Plans to transform House of Fraser’s Birmingham store into offices and a hotel have been submitted to Birmingham City Council. Proposals for the former Rackhams buildings –


currently on a short-term let to House of Fraser owner Sports Direct – include nine floors of Grade A Offices and a new ‘boutique’ hotel on the corner of Cherry Street and Temple Row. Owners Legal & General had been in discussions


with House of Fraser over revamping the store before the retailer entered into a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) last summer. Chris Wieszczycki, principal director at architects


tp bennett, said: “Using our historic knowledge of this site, our design seeks to take advantage of its


central location while responding to changing patterns in contemporary retailing and strong demand for office accommodation. “Reflecting the building’s retail roots, the


proposals include space for a range of shops, stylish bars, restaurants and coffee houses on the ground and lower ground floors.” Simon Wilkes, from Legal & General’s parent


company LGIM Real Assets, said: “As one of the best situated buildings in Birmingham, a reimagined Rackhams will help meet the growing demand for office space and create a new cluster of attractive leisure facilities right in the city’s core.”


24 CHAMBERLINK February 2019


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