Birmingham will continue to see tangible evidence of a new wave of development activity as major schemes including Paradise and Arena Central (above) emerge from the ground.
Two key office schemes complete this year – IM Properties’ £30m redevelopment/refurbishment of the 160,000 sq ft 55 Colmore Row (below) and Bruntwood’s 110,000 sq ft Cornerblock at 2 Cornwall Street.
The market awaits an announcement regarding the preferred location for the Government Property Unit’s Midlands hub – one of 13 proposed national hubs. Arena Central is tipped as favourite.
Elsewhere, the city council is due to make announcements about the delivery adviser for its Smithfield regeneration project at MIPIM in March. An announcement regarding a development partner is also likely by Q2. Smithfield is the largest city centre opportunity of its kind outside London.
The Midlands-wide game changer that is HS2 is due to win Royal Assent early this year, while the doors will open for the first time at the National College for High Speed Rail dual sites in Birmingham and Doncaster. As housing supply tightens, further green belt “grab” is likely in the West Midlands, especially in places such as Solihull. The redevelopment of Birmingham airport’s terminus looks increasingly likely.
• For a full round-up of the year to come in the regions, click here
