Touchwood shopping centre is sold

Solihull Touchwood sold to US-based firm

Solihull’s Touchwood shopping centre has been sold to US-based real estate investment and asset management firm The Ardent Companies, according to reports.

Knight Frank acted on behalf of Ardent who have acquired the 650,000 sq ft shopping centre from Lendlease Retail Partnership (LLRP), who were represented by CBRE.

Touchwood is Solihull’s primary retail spot and attracts an annual footfall of 13 million.

The deal will see the handing over of the centre's retail, restaurant and leisure offering, anchored by the last remaining John Lewis store in the West Midlands and home to the likes of Apple, Zara, Next and Cineworld.

Matt Shulman, CEO at The Ardent Companies, said: “Touchwood is in a particularly strong location and already has an impressive retail and leisure line up. The opportunity to work closely with top brands, Solihull Council and the community at an exciting time for the wider area was an important part of our decision to invest. "We’re looking forward to bringing our expertise and experience to the table to continue improving the retail environment at Touchwood.”

Popular restaurant announces closure

Popular Birmingham city centre restaurant Opus has closed for good, its owners have announced.

In a statement, the owners of the Cornwall Street venue - headed up by managing director Ann Tonks - announced the “devastating” decision to close the restaurant’s doors.

The announcement came just a few days before indoor dining was allowed to resume in hospitality venues.

The statement read: “We are heartbroken to announce we will not be able to open our doors as planned.

‘It’s been a pleasure to serve you for over 15 years’

“Our conclusion that it is not viable to carry on trading is devastating for each and every one of us. This past year has created such sorry and pain for so many businesses and families – and family is what you are for us – from our loyal customers to our long-standing suppliers. It’s been a pleasure to serve you for over 15 years and an honour to be part of our vital and energetic city centre.

“We apologise to customers who have booked with us for the last few weekends in May and we will be contacting each of you in due course. Thank you, Birmingham.”

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “This is very sad news for one of the most popular social venues in the heart of the city’s business sector.

“Ann and her team have been valued members of the Chamber for a number of years and Opus has been a regular and successful venue for many Chamber events. We can only wish everyone at Opus the very best for the future and thank them for the marvellous service they have contributed to city life in recent times.”