Plans for a major new mixed-use development have been submitted by Birmingham Grand Central shopping centre’s new owner, Hammerson, in neighbouring area Sandwell, which is set to bring millions of pounds of investment and create hundreds of jobs.
The now vacant site was once home to Hunt Brothers Griffin Foundry, until it was demolished in 2003 to make space for a larger retail and leisure development, which never came to pass.
Currently, the scheme comprises construction of the following units:
• Construction of food and non-food retail floor space
• Standalone discount foodstore
• Semi-detached restaurant unit
• Single drive-thru take away unit
There are no retailers attached to the scheme just yet but the applicant is experienced in developments of retail parks such as this, with examples across the UK.
Stephen George & Partners, who prepared the planning brief on behalf of Hammerson, commented: “Our client has determined that there is sufficient demand for development of both food and non-food retail space in this location for units with floor space upwards of 464m².
“The proposal should respect the site’s key location in its relationship to Oldbury town centre and also strive to make a positive contribution to its local environment through the quality of design.
“The proposal should respect the site’s key location in its relationship to Oldbury town centre and also strive to make a positive contribution to its local environment through the quality of design.”
Hammerson are also half owner of Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre.
