Hammerson, which owns and manages Bullring & Grand Central, has received a resolution to grant for its outline application for a 7.5-acre mixed-use masterplan in Birmingham City Centre. The plans for Martineau Galleries, the first major scheme brought forward as part of Hammerson’s City Quarters concept, will transform the current site into a thriving new neighbourhood, providing homes, workspace, hotel rooms and a new town square. The scheme, which was given the go-ahead by Birmingham City, represents a significant step forward for the group’s City Quarters concept, which is focused on delivering vibrant mixed-use neighbourhoods surrounding Hammerson’s existing flagship destinations. The concept will see Hammerson transform many of its city venues, including Birmingham, beyond pure retail into successful new neighbourhoods.
Martineau Galleries represents the most strategic regeneration scheme to come forwards within Birmingham’s inner-city core, delivering:
- 1,300 new homes for approximately 2,400 people who are predicted to spend in the region of €27.3m (£23m) per year on local goods and activities;
- 110,000 overnight stays per year at a new hotel, bringing €8.3m (£7m) per year into the local economy;
- 8,000 full-time jobs supported on-site;
- 350 full-time construction jobs supported per year over the life of the project;
- A €267.4m (£225m) boost to Birmingham’s economy and;
- A signature gateway to Birmingham adjacent to Curzon Street station.
The vibrant new neighbourhood will also provide a public realm, including a central square, boulevard and new residential streets, which will be accessible and sustainable. These spaces will be available for community and cultural events, and leisure activities such as pop-up bars, food trucks and performances from local groups.
Robin Dobson, UK Director of Development and Project Management at Hammerson said: “We are pleased to confirm that our mixed-use masterplan for Martineau Galleries has been given a resolution to grant by Birmingham City Council. Hammerson has a strong track record in mixed-use placemaking and in delivering for Birmingham, having transformed the city centre with the opening of the iconic Bullring in 2003. Our plans for Martineau Galleries represent a step-change in our strategy, moving beyond pure retail, as we continue to deliver vibrant, continually evolving spaces, in and around thriving cities.”
Leader of Birmingham City Council Cllr Ian Ward said: "The exciting Martineau Galleries project will support over 8,000 jobs and provide a significant boost to our city economy. It will also transform Dale End, creating a thriving new city centre neighbourhood."
