St Modwen lodges Longbridge application
Published: 08 February, 2011
St Modwen Properties has submitted a detailed planning application to develop the town centre at Longbridge in the West Midlands
St Modwen and its partner Advantage West Midlands have submitted a detailed planning application to Birmingham City Council to develop the £70m Longbridge town centre – a major mixed use element of this flagship regeneration project
The application proposes an 85,000-sq ft foodstore, 80,000 sq ft of additional retail space and restaurants. It also includes plans for an hotel and 40 apartments, together with the newly created two acre Austin Park which, if approved, will lead to the opening up of the river Rea for the first time in 100 years.
The proposals also comprise car parking provision, arrangements for access roads into the new town centre and continued local road improvements. The scheme is generating significant interest with national retailers and negotiations are well advanced for the sale of the foodstore and with pre-lettings of the retail space and hotel. Therefore, subject to the receipt of planning, a construction start is expected this summer
Once complete, the town centre will establish a new heart for the community and a focal point for the overall £1 billion regeneration of the former MG Rover works at Longbridge. The project will provide an important economic boost to the area and create a diverse range of employment opportunities, potentially creating over 600 jobs. The £66 million Bournville College, which is situated within the proposed town centre, is already under construction and will welcome its first students in September 2011.
