Contractor appointed to £66m first phase of Arena Central

CONSTRUCTION group Galliford Try has been appointed as contractor for the £66m first phase of Birmingham’s landmark Arena Central development – including the 210,000 sq ft 2 Arena Central.

Following demolition and clearance works on the 9.2 acre site, the first stage of construction work on the site is due to begin later in the summer.

Alongside 2 Arena Central, Galliford Try will also deliver over £10m of innovative public realm. Designed by landscape architects Gillespies, the scheme is intended to create what has been dubbed an ‘urban meadow’ running from the north to the south of the site.

The works will also include the creation of Bank Court, a new public courtyard behind 301 Broad Street and extensive new landscaping around Alpha Tower.

Jonathan Wallis, of ACDL – the joint venture between Miller Developments and Pro Vinci Asset Management, said: “This site represents a landmark development for Birmingham, with the forward purchase of 2 Arena Central marking one of the most significant inward investment deals to take place in the region for over a decade.

“Galliford Try emerged from a highly competitive tendering process as the stand out contractor that we have entrusted to deliver our vision at Arena Central.  We are focused on the start of the construction phase of this project, following the completion of the demolition works.”

Simon Burton, Galliford Try West Midlands and South West Managing Director, said: “This is a significant appointment, with Arena Central representing one of the most high-profile active development sites in Birmingham.  We will now work closely with ACDL to ensure the delivery of a high quality product that matches the aspirations of this statement site.”

Arena Central will deliver the city one million sq ft of space, including 670,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation, over 400 residential apartments and ancillary retail and leisure uses.  

Detailed planning consent was granted earlier this year for the delivery of 2 Arena Central. Designed by Ken Shuttleworth of Make Architects, 2 Arena Central will have the capacity to accommodate up to 2,500 people and will be the first building in Birmingham to be constructed to LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) Gold accreditation.

Situated within the city centre Enterprise Zone, Arena Central is bordered by Broad Street, Bridge Street, Holliday Street and Suffolk Street Queensway and is adjacent to Centenary Square, which is due to undergo a £8m refurbishment.

The extension to the Midland Metro tram to Broad Street, with a stop directly adjacent to the Arena Central site, will further enhance the site’s connectivity to the rest of the city.

EC Harris acted as QS and Employers Agent for ACDL.

Greg Fitzgerald, executive chairman of Galliford Try, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to construct such a prestigious development in this key regeneration area for the city of Birmingham. Galliford Try has a strong presence in the West Midlands and we look forward to delivering for our partners at ACDL and producing a landmark scheme for them.”

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