The Grand Central retail and dining scheme in Birmingham is forecast to become one of the UK’s most exciting development launches of next year, with thousands of consumers expected to flock to its opening next September.
Fortunately, it seems that none of those wishing to pick up a bite to eat will go hungry on opening day, as Birmingham City Council has now confirmed that all restaurant spaces within the development have now been fully let.
A total of 13 restaurant chains will occupy units within the £150 million scheme, several of which are completely new to the city. These include Caffe Concerto, Tapas Revolution, Square Pie and Vietnamese restaurant group Pho.
Stephen Wall, speaking on behalf of Pho, expressed the group’s excitement at securing a place within the lucrative development.
He says; “We are really looking forward to opening our first Birmingham restaurant in the new Grand Central development.
“It’s an exciting time for the city and for us as we’re playing a part in this significant transformation.
“Grand Central will be one of the major destinations for shoppers dining in the city centre, and we can’t wait to share with them a taste of the Vietnamese food we love so much.”
The interest in the Grand Central scheme so far has been monumental, with numerous retailers and leisure brands lining up to acquire space. However, at present only the restaurant aspect of the development has reached leasing capacity, although it is believed that the entirety of the scheme will be fully let months in advance of its completion.
Because of Grand Central’s location on top of the upgraded New Street station, tenants will be in the fortuitous position of being able to capitalise on both the city centre consumer market and the weekday commuter pool. However, smaller retailers and those operating on an independent basis on neighbouring streets have voiced their concerns that the new development will poach customers and therefore make trading conditions even tougher than they are at present.
Although Grand Central is not the only highly anticipated development in the pipeline, with a refurbishment of the Mailbox already in the works, the fact that it will be anchored by John Lewis has created a buzz of excitement around the project.
Grand Central leasing director Keith Stone believes this week’s announcements will create further excitement about the opening and could even contribute to further improvements in Birmingham’s booming tourism industry.
He says; “We are delighted to see some of the country’s favourite restaurants finally having a footprint in Birmingham thanks to the Grand Central and New Street Station redevelopments.
“The investments from such well known dining brands further demonstrate why we are so confident of the long term benefits Grand Central and New Street Station will bring to the city.”
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