Selly Oak regeneration scheme could create 3,000 jobs

PLANS for a new regeneration scheme in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham have been submitted by Land Securities and Sainsbury’s.

The duo – jointly known as the Harvest Partnership – are proposing to transform Selly Oak’s former Battery Park site into a new mixed-use retail and leisure destination. 

Located between Bristol Road and the new Aston Webb Boulevard, the regeneration scheme will see the transformation of a derelict, 13-hectare brownfield site into a mixed-use development, which Harvest Partnership suggests could create up to 3,000 new jobs.

The original plans for large-scale redevelopment of the site have been modified as a result of initial public consultation undertaken in Autumn last year, but the key supported components of the scheme remain intact.

The proposals include a new Sainsbury’s store and petrol station along with a range of more than 20 shops, places to eat and drink, offices, student housing and hotels. 

The development – if green-lighted by Birmingham City Council – will create a ‘canalside piazza’ and extensive environmental improvements.

The scheme would also introduce a canal link, which partly retraces the historical Lapal Canal route. This would provide a water feature crossing the site from the existing Worcester & Birmingham Canal and create the possibility of a future restoration of the canal alongside Selly Oak Park.

Neil Carron, Land Securities project director, said: ”We have worked hard to ensure that the proposals are realistic and deliverable and we’re pleased that the public’s feedback on the scheme has generally been positive.

“However, thanks to the initial consultation, we have also been able to identify aspects of the plans that needed to be reviewed. This has resulted in a revised proposal which will transform Selly Oak into a vibrant destination, whilst also creating 3,000 much-needed jobs.”