WELCOME Following a successful MIPIM 2016, which saw the largest Greater Birmingham delegation to date with a record number of private sector partners, Greater Birmingham will showcase the region at MIPIM UK for the first time. By working in partnership across the region, we can fully realise Greater Birmingham’s economic potential to the fullest. We look forward to welcoming you to our stand: J15 Focusing on today, tomorrow and beyond, we will be showcasing Greater Birmingham’s strengths in areas including its quality of life and housing provision, vast infrastructure networks, and sectors of future growth – from advanced manufacturing to life sciences. The overarching theme for Greater Birmingham throughout MIPIM UK will be connectivity – with unprecedented levels of investment centered around transport infrastructure and High Speed Rail in the near and not too distant future. The showcase will explore current projects taking place, as well as long-term strategies for the region, ranging from skills development to the future of the Midlands Engine. With a particular focus on collaboration, Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country will work in close partnership to highlight the region’s opportunities and build dialogue with the world’s leading decision makers. This media pack contains details of the events, partners and spokespeople involved in Greater Birmingham’s presence at MIPIM UK 2016. It also features information about:
• Greater Birmingham’s success • Key facts and figures on the region • Details of and comments from Greater Birmingham’s spokespeople We can provide journalists with information, images and statistics about the projects taking place in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull. Interviews and briefings are available on the Greater Birmingham stand with the spokespeople leading our delegation this year: •Cllr John Clancy, Leader of Birmingham City Council •Cllr Bob Sleigh, Leader of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and Chairman of the West Midlands Combined Authority •Tim Johnson, City of Wolverhampton Strategic Director of Place Media Contact: Rabia Raza, Communications Executive Tel: 0121 202 5002 rabia.raza@marketingbirmingham.com
INTRODUCTION
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GREATER BIRMINGHAM KEY FACTS
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GREATER BIRMINGHAM’S GROWTH AGENDA
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THE MIDLANDS ENGINE AND WMCA
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KEY DEVELOPMENTS
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COMMENTS FROM GREATER BIRMINGHAM
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KEY DATES
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STRATEGIC PARTNERS
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PRESS RELEASE
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MEDIA RESOURCES
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Welcome The Greater Birmingham region is experiencing one of the most exciting periods of regeneration and development in recent times, with numerous further investment opportunities still ahead. Worldclass schemes, projects and masterplans are set to cement the region’s reputation as the engine of the UK economy. With a large talented workforce and world-class universities producing widely sought-after graduates, this region is turning ambition into reality. Home to a thriving business community, Greater Birmingham is a leading UK destination for firms ranging from cutting-edge start-ups to international brands. The region continues to attract record investment from across the globe, securing 81 foreign direct investment projects during 2015/16, creating over 5,176 new jobs. Greater Birmingham offers more than a business case – its quality of life is attracting highly skilled workers and renowned employers from all over the UK and internationally. We welcomed 90 million visitors to the region in 2015 to experience our varied cultural offer, world-famous food scene and headline events. Almost £1 billion of major developments in Greater Birmingham are now complete and powering the region to compete on a global scale. From the £750 million redevelopment of Birmingham New Street Station and its surrounding Grand Central complex, to the £150 million Resorts World Birmingham and the £40 million runway extension at Birmingham airport, the region is more connected than ever before, linking directly to key markets including China and the USA. But there is still lots more to come.
Landmark schemes underway include two high-speed rail stations at Birmingham Curzon and UK Central - placing the region at the heart of the UK’s HS2 rail network and Europe’s largest infrastructure project. The next stage in Birmingham city centre's regeneration is now underway with the start of the £500 million Paradise Birmingham development. This will contribute to the 1 million sq ft of office space now under construction across the city centre. In Solihull, a £300 million investment in Junction 6 of the M42 and plans for new Metro connections will further enhance the UK Central Hub. In the Black Country, Wolverhampton is planning to deliver significant investment into its city centre, including £120 million for its Interchange network and a new rail station. Working in collaboration, Birmingham, The Black Country and Solihull are determined to showcase the vast array of opportunities for investors keen to be part of Greater Birmingham’s growing prominence as a leading destination to live, work and invest in.
~Steve Hollis, Chair of the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP ~Tom Westley, Black Country LEP lead for the Enterprise Zone
REGIONAL ECONOMY • GREATER BIRMINGHAM HAS THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATION OF BUSINESSES OUTSIDE OF LONDON – HOME TO OVER 112,000 COMPANIES INCLUDING 2,000 INTERNATIONAL FIRMS • BIRMINGHAM IS THE MOST ENTREPRENEURIAL UK CITY OUTSIDE LONDON. 14,152 NEW BUSINESSES WERE REGISTERED IN BIRMINGHAM DURING 2015 – MORE THAN ANY OTHER CITY OUTSIDE THE CAPITAL. (STARTUP BRITAIN ANALYSIS OF COMPANIES HOUSE DATA)
INVESTMENT PROSPECTS • IN 2015/16, 81 FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) PROJECTS WERE ATTRACTED TO GREATER BIRMINGHAM • EXPORTS FROM THE WIDER WEST MIDLANDS REGION ARE THE THIRD HIGHEST IN THE COUNTRY • BIRMINGHAM IS NUMBER ONE IN THE UK FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT PROSPECTS, AND SIXTH IN EUROPE (URBAN LAND INSTITUTE/PWC) • MAJOR EMPLOYERS INVESTING IN THE REGION INCLUDE HSBC, JAGUAR LAND ROVER, MG MOTORS, CHANGAN, GENTING, HYDRAFORCE, EXTRAENERGY AND DEUTSCHE BANK • THE REGION IS CAPITALISING ON HS2. THE MIDLANDS HS2 GROWTH STRATEGY WILL DELIVER £14 BILLION GVA
TALENT POOL • THERE ARE SIX WORLD-CLASS UNIVERSITIES IN GREATER BIRMINGHAM, PRODUCING 32,000 GRADUATES EVERY YEAR • BIRMINGHAM IS THE YOUNGEST MAJOR CITY IN EUROPE, WITH UNDER 25’S ACCOUNTING FOR NEARLY 40% OF ITS POPULATION
A NATURAL MEETING PLACE • OVER 90% OF THE UK MARKET IS WITHIN A FOUR HOUR TRAVEL TIME OF THE REGION • EUROPE’S LARGEST INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECT, THE £17BILLION HIGH SPEED RAIL 2 (HS2) RAIL PROJECT, WILL BRING BIRMINGHAM WITHIN 38 MINUTES OF THE CAPITAL • BIRMINGHAM NEW STREET STATION IS THE BUSIEST STATION OUTSIDE LONDON, AND THE BUSIEST INTERCHANGE STATION IN THE UK, WITH A TRAIN LEAVING EVERY 37 SECONDS • THE NEW M54 BUSINESS HUB MOTORWAY JUNCTION NOW DIRECTLY SERVES THE BLACK COUNTRY’S I54 ENTERPRISE ZONE • BIRMINGHAM AIRPORT SERVES 10 MILLION PEOPLE A YEAR TRAVELLING WITH 50 AIRLINES TO 140 DIRECT DESTINATIONS
QUALITY OF LIFE • BIRMINGHAM HAS THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE OF ANY UK CITY OUTSIDE OF LONDON (MERCER 2014, 2015) • SOLIHULL WAS RATED AS HAVING THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE IN ENGLAND (USWITCH'S QUALITY OF LIFE INDEX, 2015) • 90 MILLION TOURISTS WERE ATTRACTED TO GREATER BIRMINGHAM IN 2015 • SOLIHULL WAS VOTED AS HAVING THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE UK (USWITCH'S LAST QUALITY OF LIFE INDEX ,2014) • BIRMINGHAM IS THE MOST POPULAR CONFERENCE AND EVENT DESTINATION IN THE UK OUTSIDE LONDON (BMEIS 2015/2016) • BIRMINGHAM IS THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATION FOR LONDONERS RELOCATING FROM THE CAPITAL (ONS, 2015) • AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE OF £177,979 COMPARED TO LONDON’S £671,989 (LAND REGISTRY OF ENGLAND & WALES, 2016)
Greater Birmingham has an ambitious growth agenda to meet the needs of its growing population and build a strong and prosperous economy for the future. The following are just some of the key projects central to the delivery of the city’s growth strategy, helping to transform the region’s economic, infrastructural and cultural offer.
Birmingham Curzon HS2 Almost £1 billion of investment is being committed to redevelop a part of Birmingham that is set to be transformed by the arrival of HS2 in the city. The Curzon Investment Plan is an ambitious 30 year strategy to unlock and regenerate the 141 hectares of land around the planned HS2 Curzon Street Station, led by the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP (GBSLEP) and Birmingham City Council. Creating 36,000 jobs, 4,000 new homes, unlocking 600,000 sqm of commercial floor space and connecting the eastside of Birmingham to the rest of the city and beyond; the investment is the first major financial commitment by any local area in the country to use HS2’s arrival as a catalyst for regeneration. It also has the potential to add £1.4 billion to the local economy. Plans include the development of Curzon Street Station itself, several new neighbourhoods, offices and retail spaces. The creation of stunning public places such as the Curzon Promenade and Curzon Square – which will incorporate the original Curzon Station, a Grade I listed building. The Curzon Investment Plan responds to the strategic direction set by the Curzon Masterplan, launched in February 2014, which is the city’s vision on how to fully integrate the city centre station alongside a package of wider interventions to unlock significant development opportunities across a large part of Birmingham’s city centre.
Both plans sit Curzon within the regionwide HS2 Midlands Growth Strategy, based on £4.4 billion of investment which will deliver new transport infrastructure and major economic growth. The Curzon Regeneration Company will take responsibility for driving the delivery of Curzon. Established in July 2014 with Liz Peace CBE as chair, it has been instrumental in devising the strategy for the Curzon Investment Plan. The Shadow Board will now become the Curzon Delivery Board.
Birmingham Smithfield Birmingham’s £500 million plan to regenerate a 14 hectare site at the heart of its city centre represents a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a unique destination. It builds on the area’s rich heritage and focus for retail markets. Based in the city centre, Birmingham Smithfield will capitalise on its location next to the prime shopping area – which attracts over 40 million visitors a year, spending £2 billion on the local economy – and New Street Station, which is used by more than 52 million people a year.
Forming a major urban block, 14 hectares in size, the site provides opportunities for over 300,000 sq. metres of development and over 1,000 new residential units. It will not only create a destination that transforms the city’s visitor economy, but also delivers an exemplar of sustainable development. The city’s Midland Metro tram system will be integrated into the site and bring Birmingham Smithfield within minutes of the proposed high speed rail (HS2) terminus at Curzon nearby.
Snow Hill Masterplan The Snow Hill Masterplan aims to transform Birmingham’s city centre business district and win further investment from global business, professional and financial services firms. The area is home to some of the city’s most valuable assets – including the Colmore Business District, which supports over 35,000 employees, and Snow Hill rail station, the main transport link to London. The 20-year Masterplan provides a framework to generate over 200,000 sq m of new office space, build 4,000 residential units and boost the local economy by over £600 million each year. Changes to the district include the transformation of Snow Hill train station, and the creation of a new urban boulevard to improve accessibility to other parts of the city.
Icknield Port Loop Icknield Port Loop is one of the largest redevelopment sites in the city, presenting a major opportunity for a residential led mixed use scheme. It occupies a strategically significant location directly to the west of the city centre and has the capacity to deliver 1,200 homes, with a mix of commercial, leisure, education and community uses. Located by Edgbaston Reservoir, the 27 hectare site provides an opportunity to join a distinctive development with canal and reservoir frontages in the heart of the city.
Birmingham – Economic Zones Birmingham’s Economic Zones are designed to support the city’s economic growth. The zones provide tailored support to businesses as they locate in the city, offering a range of incentives including: Simplified planning Access to finance Gap funding Business development programmes Tailored training and recruitment packages
The Economic Zones listed below encompass some of the biggest development opportunities in the UK, supported by major developers, investors, and internationally renowned academic and research organisations has fast become a hub for progressive technologies and services.
Enterprise Zone - Birmingham City Centre Within the heart of the city, 26 sites covering 130 hectares, make up the City Centre Enterprise Zone (EZ) – the largest city centre Enterprise Zone in the UK. Focusing on key sectoral strengths, including professional and financial services, digital media, ICT and the creative industries, it provides opportunities for 1.5 million square metres of office floorspace and the potential to deliver 50,000 jobs. A number of major schemes supported by the Enterprise Zone have recently opened including Two Snowhill – home to global law firm Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co and the new 100,000 sq ft national HS2 headquarters. HSBC is relocating its ring-fenced head office to the Enterprise Zone from London, in the city’s biggest deal for over a decade. The move will see 1,000 roles relocate from Canary Wharf in London to Birmingham. Whilst professional services firm PwC, has confirmed it is to be the first business to sign up to the Enterprise Zone’s £500 million transformational Paradise development.
Advanced Manufacturing Hub – Aston The Advanced Manufacturing Hub is a 20 hectare site targeted at the automotive and aerospace supply chain. The site is at the centre of the UK motorway network. International hydraulic manufacturing company HydraForce, became the inaugural tenant of the Hub after relocating to a 120,000 sq ft purposebuilt facility.
Environmental Enterprise District – Tyseley The Tyseley Industrial Area covers over 230 businesses and around 100 hectares of traditional industrial and employment land. It has been designated an Environmental Enterprise District, to secure investment in the resource recovery sector and in emerging energy-from-waste and related technologies.
Life Science Campus – Selly Oak The campus has over 50,000 square metres of development opportunity for companies in the life sciences sector. Based alongside two of the city’s key life science assets – the University of Birmingham (with the UK’s second largest medical school) and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital – the campus will maximise the growth of this already strong sector.
Food Hub – Aston The Food Hub forms part of the former IMI site in Witton, with over 36 hectares of prime industrial land. The Food Hub provides the opportunity to combine manufacturing, R&D and distribution in a location attractive to companies looking to locate at the heart of the UK’s food and drink sector.
ITEC Zone – Longbridge The ITEC Zone lies at the heart of one of the most significant urban development schemes in the UK. Delivered by St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, the £1 billion redevelopment of Longbridge is one of the largest regeneration projects outside of London and the biggest in the Midlands. With the first phase of the new £70m town centre now open and a £100m Technology Park that has attracted local, national and international ICT-based businesses, Longbridge
UK Central Solihull Boasting one of the strongest economies outside London, UK Central Solihull is one of the most compelling inward investment locations in the UK, offering a powerful combination of opportunity, connectivity and lifestyle. Commercial property investment volumes reached £107 million in 2015, 50% above the 10 year average, with further growth forecasted as infrastructure investment and the effects of HS2 are realised. Highlights of the last year include over 60 company expansions and relocations to the area - a third of these resulting from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with strong investment from the US and Germany. Core business sector strengths include advanced manufacturing, building technologies, aerospace and ICT, as well as leading the way in low carbon technologies. Headline investments include Changan Automotive’s 80,700 square feet worldwide headquarters for its powertrain and R&D divisions, Rolls Royce’s £90 million 306,000 square feet Advanced Manufacturing and Technology facility at Birmingham Business Park, alongside Interserve’s multi-million pound 120,000 square feet regional headquarters.
UK Central Solihull also represents future opportunity on a global scale. The area’s vision encompasses four economic opportunity zones, each with large scale development and infrastructure plans, creating the conditions for unparalleled growth and investment.
The UK Central Hub A unique concentration of global economic assets, the UK Central Hub is home to Birmingham Airport, the National Exhibition Centre, Jaguar Land Rover and the site incorporating the new High Speed Rail Interchange station, Arden Cross. A hub for multiple forms of travel, the High Speed Interchange will be connected to the NEC and Birmingham Airport via an Automated People Mover stopping at the Birmingham International Integrated Transport Hub, connecting visitors to mainline services, Metro and Bus Rapid Transit. Over 1300ha within the wider Hub provides a cluster of complementary activities. Solihull’s recently launched Urban Growth Company is now developing a vision and development framework masterplan, which will set out one of the most significant and unique development opportunities in the UK. Current opportunities include 40ha at Birmingham Airport and 6ha for design and build on Birmingham Business Park. Forthcoming masterplans from Birmingham Airport and the NEC will provide additional opportunities, offering an unparalleled location and compelling business destination.
Arden Cross Covering a 140 hectare (350 acre) site, Arden Cross demonstrates the opportunity to deliver a high quality mixed-use sustainable Urban Quarter incorporating a state of the art multi-modal transport hub set within a vibrant and bustling community of commercial, residential, retail and leisure uses, positioned at the heart of the UK. Located on Junction 6 of the M42 motorway, adjacent to Birmingham International train station and Birmingham Airport, the site’s already exceptional levels of connectivity will be further enhanced through the delivery of the HS2 Interchange Station. The development of Arden Cross will build on the site’s outstanding location and connectivity advantages and create a fully integrated, vibrant new urban landscape at the heart of the UK.
Black Country Garden City Prospectus By 2033, an ambitious vision for growth will mean that the Black Country will have increased the number of local jobs to 545,000 and strengthened the business base by creating an additional 1,500 new businesses each year. Acceleration of the housing market to support economic growth is a key priority for the Black Country, and the Black Country Garden City Prospectus outlines a major opportunity to build over 45,000 homes across 550 key development projects
High Value Manufacturing City The Black Country ‘HVM City’ is the development programme driving the advancement of the world-class design, manufacturing and engineering opportunities in the Black Country. It will deliver product and process development, advance industrial design standards, foster intelligence and market leading skills and build sustainable supply chains linked to global economic requirements. HVM City will add over £1 billon to the economy, bring forward over 150 hectares of land for advanced manufacturing and create over 25,000 jobs. HVM City will create the perfect economic conditions for advanced manufacturers to thrive; through investment in world leading people, businesses and places.
Wolverhampton City Centre Redevelopment Wolverhampton is part of the Birmingham and Black Country conurbation. A thriving, young and vibrant area, The City of Wolverhampton is currently enjoying record levels of investment totalling £3.7billion. Strategic regeneration of Wolverhampton city centre presents a unique opportunity for investors to be part of a truly transformational scheme, with a range of significant mixed-use opportunities available within the city centre. In addition prestigious developer Urban & Civic plc were recently announced as the preferred developer for the regeneration of Wolverhampton Westside, a prime development site in the heart of the city centre, ear-marked for leisure, restaurants, shops, homes and offices. Furthermore the £120 million Wolverhampton Interchange infrastructure project, a key component in supporting the city’s growing economy, is set to radically improve Wolverhampton’s transport gateways and connections. Interchange will be home to a new mainline railway station serving 4.75 million passengers a year on the West Coast Mainline.
The Black Country Enterprise Zone There are a number of opportunities for investors at the helm of the region’s industrial heartland. The Black Country Enterprise Zone (BCEZ) has been described as the most successful nationally, and has already generated £1.5 billion of investment. A wide range of sectors are encouraged to the site, including advanced manufacturing, transport technologies, construction, environmental and business services. The Enterprise Zone is located in one of the most competitive areas within the Black Country; home to global giants including Jaguar Land Rover, Carillion, Porsche and Moog. Benefiting from being located at the heart of the West Midlands manufacturing and distribution networks, with valuable incentives available, the BCEZ covers 120 hectares and is one of the UK’s leading business hubs. The broad Enterprise Zone locations benefit from excellent regional, national and global connectivity, giving easy access to and from customers, suppliers and business partners. At the hub of one of the UK’s best road and rail networks, 90% of the population is within a four hour drive and intercity rail connections are on the doorstep. 16 Higher Education Institutions in the Midlands provide approximately 13,400 graduates per year in Engineering & Technology related subjects. There are also 10 leading universities, two of the top five UK business schools, eight science parks and a number of specialist further education institutions within 35 miles.
The Midlands Engine & The West Midlands Combined Authority The past year has seen significant progress in getting the foundations in place to maximise the opportunities presented by the Midlands Engine. This collaboration brings together the public, private and educational sectors in the region to work collectively to achieve greater economic growth for the Midlands. By working together, the Midlands Engine will promote the region to investors and trade partners - delivering more growth, exports, jobs, and a better quality of life for those living in the region. The Government believes that the Midlands economy could grow by £34 billion by 2030. The Midlands Engine will work with the Government to deliver on that aspiration. Our Ambition We will improve the economy of the Midlands and the UK, deliver an enhanced quality of life for our citizens and communities and become a globally recognised driver of the UK economy. Working with Government, we will position the Midlands as a major UK and European gateway to unlock the region’s potential and support growth across every sector. The region witnessed a major step forward earlier this year, as it set out its stall to win £14 billion from global investors as part of its plan to turn itself into one of the world’s leading regional economies. The plan, dubbed the Midlands Engine Pitchbook, will be used to showcase investment opportunities to key markets such as China and the US. It unveiled 33 major opportunities for investors, which combined can create 178,000 jobs, 32,000 new homes and 57.9 million sq ft of property space for the region. Legal Body with Powers of decision making
The West Midlands Combined Authority is based on the functioning economic geography of three LEP areas: Greater Birmingham and Solihull; Black Country and Coventry & Warwickshire. Ninety per cent of the area’s population of 4 million live and work in this area. The region’s economy is worth £80 billion of GVA. Launched in June this year, The West Midlands Combined Authority has set out ambition targets for housing, jobs and productivity. Some 500,000 new jobs, increased life expectancy and the construction of 1.9 million homes over the next 15 years will help transform the West Midlands into one of the UK’s most attractive regions for business.
Paradise The UK’s most important city centre development outside London, Paradise Birmingham is at the heart of the transformation of the cultural and civic centre of the city. Creating a vibrant, office-led development of high quality commercial, civic, retail, leisure and hotel space, the Paradise redevelopment across 17 acres is providing major improvements to pedestrian access across the city and offering greatly enhanced public realm befitting its exemplary historic setting of some of the country’s finest Victorian listed buildings. The £500m Paradise scheme is set to create up to 12,000 jobs on completion and will deliver nearly two million square feet of space including offices and a 4* hotel.
Bilfinger GVA Our specialist knowledge of the Midlands Real Estate Market is based on a heritage that dates back to 1820. Today Bilfinger GVA is recognised as the leading property adviser in the Midlands approaching 400 Directors and staff in 20 specialist teams based in our regional HQ. We are working harder than ever for our clients, seeking to deliver solutions that bring tangible results to people, business and communities. Our specialist knowledge ranges through the property life cycle from Planning, Development and Regeneration Consultancy through the construction process to Valuation, Asset and Property Management, Marketing to Agency and Investment transactions. Our clients are from both the public and private sectors including Government Departments and Local Authorities, Investors and Property Companies, Financiers and Lenders, Land Owners and Developers and, last but by no means least occupiers, the driving force behind all property markets.
Arena Central Arena Central is a 9.2 acre development site in Birmingham city centre, being delivered by Arena Central Developments Ltd (ACDL), a joint venture between Miller Developments and Pro Vinci Asset Management. Designed to meet Birmingham’s growing demand for high quality office space, the vision for the site is to create a vibrant, class-leading mixed use development all set within a unique and inviting public realm. Situated in Birmingham’s City Centre Enterprise Zone, the development benefits from simplified planning and reduced business rates and forms a significant part of the city’s vision for regeneration, as laid out in the Big City Plan. Work is already underway on the first phase of the development, which will include the public realm and 2 Arena Central, the building selected by HSBC as the head office of its UK ringfenced bank. Delivery of the next building on the site is anticipated to start in early 2017, with further details to be announced shortly.
Calthorpe Estates Family-owned since 1717, Calthorpe Estates and its strategic partners are responsible for delivering a multi-million pound regeneration portfolio including retail, leisure, office, medical and residential developments across its prestigious 610 hectares Estate. New developments include the world-class medical facilities at Pebble Mill, which is located within Edgbaston Medical Quarter; Edgbaston Village, an emerging premium mixed-use urban village within the heart of Edgbaston; in addition to Edgbaston Mill, opposite Edgbaston Stadium. Edgbaston Medical Quarter is integral to the life science and healthcare growth within Birmingham, it promotes collaboration and brings together healthcare, academia and industry to support the 22 life science specialist clusters. Calthorpe Estates is able to offer a range of opportunities for investors and end-users within the office, retail and medical accommodation, ranging from operator-focused new build through to suites and individual consulting rooms.
Cllr John Clancy, Leader of Birmingham City Council: “Following overseas success at MIPIM in recent years, Greater Birmingham’s opportunities will be showcased nationally at MIPIM UK for the first time. With a number of prominent development opportunities in the pipeline, we’re confident MIPIM UK will provide genuine investment prospects, capitalising on the potential of major schemes like Birmingham Smithfield and the Curzon Investment Plan, which will transform Birmingham in the wake of HS2. “By working in partnership across the region, we can get in front of the right people; ramp up Greater Birmingham’s economic resurgence and drive forward the local economy.”
Tim Johnson, Strategic Director at City of Wolverhampton Council: “We’re casting the net even further with our presence at MIPIM UK this year. The Black Country is home to a number of attractive future investment propositions, as well as delivering the most successful Enterprise Zone in the country, including the £55million opportunity to revamp Wolverhampton's Westside. “MIPIM UK is a chance to place the Black Country and Greater Birmingham in front of the most influential players from all property sectors, and secure the interest we need to reach our potential to the fullest
Cllr Ian Courts, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Managed Growth at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council: “MIPIM UK offers the opportunity to showcase UK Central Solihull’s ambitions and vision for future development. The ‘Hub’ area, incorporating the growth plans of assets including Birmingham Airport, the National Exhibition Centre and Jaguar Land Rover, combined with future development at Arden Cross and the High Speed Rail Interchange, provides a location with strong potential for economic growth and a compelling investment destination.”
Steve Hollis, Chair of the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP: “With over £1billion of investment in the region in the last year, Greater Birmingham is experiencing record levels of growth. Globally significant companies like HSBC and Jaguar Land Rover are locating or expanding in the area, demonstrating their confidence in the future of the local economy. “MIPIM is the ideal platform to showcase everything the region has to offer and promote the potential for further growth; reinforcing Greater Birmingham’s place on the world stage for investment. “
Europe’s first Park Regis hotel opened in Birmingham
Midland Metro extension to New Street opened
Urban Growth Company formed for UK Central Hub
Work continues on Paradise Birmingham (until 2026)
Work starts on LondonBirmingham HS2 line. New National College for High Speed Rail opens
2 Arena Central handed to HSBC (opening in 2018 )
Construction begins on new design of Centenary Square
West Midlands Combined Authority elects mayor
Strategic redevelopment of Wolverhampton city centre
Developments at ‘UK Central’ Solihull’s economic opportunity zones (to 2040)
45,000 homes built across 550 developments – part of Black Country Garden City Prospectus (to 2033)
Birmingham Smithfield development
Birmingham City Council Birmingham City Council is the body responsible for the governance of the city of Birmingham in England. It is the largest local authority in the United Kingdom, representing over one million people. The City Council has put in place an ambitious growth agenda to meet the needs of its growing population and build a strong and prosperous economy for the future. Spokespeople: Cllr John Clancy, Leader; Mark Rogers, Chief Executive; Waheed Nazir, Strategic Director for Economy
Black Country LEP The Black Country LEP aligns activity across private and public sectors to create the right environment for businesses with a remit to tackle barriers to business growth and create a globally competitive local economy. The Black Country – located at the heart of the national transport network – comprises the metropolitan boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and the city of Wolverhampton. It covers 356 sq km, is home to 1.14 million people and approximately half a million jobs in 31,000 companies. Spokesperson: Tom Westley, Black Country LEP lead for the Enterprise Zone; Tim Johnson, Strategic Director of Education and Enterprise, Wolverhampton City Council
Marketing Birmingham Marketing Birmingham, the city’s strategic marketing partnership, operates the city’s leisure and business tourism programmes – Visit and Meet Birmingham – as well as its inward investment programme, Business Birmingham. The company is funded by the public and private sectors, including Birmingham City Council, European Regional Development Funding and some 400 local companies. Spokesperson: Neil Rami, Chief Executive
UK Central Solihull UK Central is one of the most compelling inward investment locations in the UK, offering a powerful combination of opportunity, connectivity and lifestyle. The area encompasses the cosmopolitan town of Solihull, Birmingham Airport and the National Exhibition Centre campus, the planned High Speed Rail Interchange, Jaguar Land Rover and several world class business parks. UK Central boasts four interconnected investment zones with both current available commercial space and future development land. Spokesperson: Cllr Ian Courts, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Managed Growth
Birmingham invests £1 billion to get on the right track for HS2 September 2016
•Plan will create 4,000 new homes, 36,000 new jobs and 600,000 sqm of commercial floorspace •Investment set to add £1.4bn GVA to the local economy •First major investment commitment by a local area to leverage the benefits of HS2 Almost £1 billion of investment is being committed to redevelop a part of Birmingham that is set to be transformed by the arrival of HS2 in the city. The Curzon Investment Plan is an ambitious 30 year strategy to unlock and regenerate the 141 hectares of land around the planned HS2 Curzon Street Station, led by the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP (GBSLEP) and Birmingham City Council. Creating 36,000 jobs, 4,000 new homes, unlocking 600,000 sqm of commercial floor space and connecting the eastside of Birmingham to the rest of the city and beyond; the investment is the first major financial commitment by any local area in the country to use HS2’s arrival as a catalyst for regeneration. It also has the potential to add £1.4 billion to the local economy. Plans include the development of Curzon Street Station itself, several new neighbourhoods, offices and retail spaces. The creation of stunning public places such as the Curzon Promenade and Curzon Square – which will incorporate the original Curzon Station, a Grade I listed building.
In total £907 million is being allocated to a variety of projects, and is made up of £586.8 million from the GBSLEP, which draws funds from business rates within the Enterprise Zone and £137.2 million from the newly formed devolved government, West Midlands Combined Authority. A further £183.3 million towards the cost of delivering Metro extension projects, connecting the eastside of the city to central Birmingham and out to Birmingham International Airport and Solihull, where another HS2 station, an interchange, is planned. Theresa May, Prime Minister said:
“I’m delighted that Greater Birmingham is making this investment in the future, working to maximise the potential of HS2 by investing in jobs and housing – and encouraging more business investment. It was in Birmingham where I outlined my plan to build an economy that works for all, with a proper industrial strategy that delivers prosperity, job creation and higher wages across the country, not just in London. “That’s what the Curzon Investment Plan aims to do in Greater Birmingham, and my Government is right behind them.”
Steve Hollis, Deputy Chair of the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP (GBSLEP), said: “The Curzon Investment Plan is the first major commitment by a local area to maximise the impact of HS2. It outlines how we will use HS2 as a trigger to transform an area of untapped potential in Birmingham’s city core and create thousands of new jobs, homes and places for businesses to thrive. “This demonstrates clearly what we can achieve in this region by being given the right tools by central government, to unlock our own future economic success.” “Our commitment to invest is a bold statement of intent for how we will utilise HS2 as a catalyst for growth at every step. By setting out our plans and investing now, we will begin to realise the economic benefits of HS2 far sooner.” Councillor John Clancy, Leader of Birmingham City Council, added: “It is an unprecedented time for Birmingham and the wider region. By working with partners from across the region, we have fuelled an economic renaissance with significant inward investment and the implementation of major infrastructure schemes. “HS2 is a unique opportunity that we must capitalise on now. Birmingham is at the heart of the HS2 network and the Curzon Investment Plan shows how we intend to use this position to create sustained economic growth and a legacy of new homes, jobs and neighbourhoods for our city.” The Curzon Investment Plan responds to the strategic direction set by the Curzon Masterplan, launched in February 2014, which is the city’s vision on how to fully integrate the city centre station alongside a package of wider interventions to unlock significant development opportunities across a large part of Birmingham’s city centre. Both plans sit Curzon within the region-wide HS2 Midlands Growth Strategy, based on £4.4 billion of investment which will deliver new transport infrastructure and major economic growth. The Curzon Regeneration Company will take responsibility for driving the delivery of Curzon. Established in July 2014 with Liz Peace CBE as chair, it has been instrumental in devising the strategy for the Curzon Investment Plan. The Shadow Board will now become the Curzon Delivery Board. The regeneration and investment in infrastructure that the Curzon Investment Plan will deliver is also set to benefit other transformational projects currently underway or being developed in the city centre, including: the £500 million creation of Birmingham Smithfield - a vibrant new retail, leisure and residential space the £1 billion Southern Gateway – an ambitious mixed use development; a new cultural quarter’ in the eastside of the city called the ‘Knowledge Hub’; The £600 million development of city’s professional centre around Snow Hill – which is set to create 2.2 million sq ft of office space and 4,000 jobs.
Spokespeople: If you would like to arrange interviews or receive supporting quotes from any of Greater Birmingham’s strategic partners, development partners or supporting partners, please contact Rabia Raza from the Marketing Birmingham communications team.
Media contact: Rabia Raza, Communications Executive Tel: 0121 202 5002 rabia.raza@marketingbirmingham.com Images: http://birminghamtoolkit.com/ Marketing Birmingham: www.businessbirmingham.com
Birmingham City Council: www.birmingham.gov.uk/bigcityplan
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership: www.investblackcountry.com
UK Central: www.investinukcentral.com
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