Eastside canals scheme highlighted to investors at MIPIM
A MAJOR canalside regeneration project in the heart of Birmingham has been showcased at the MIPIM property exhibition in Cannes.
Alongside the new Birmingham City University campus, the 13-acre Eastside Locks scheme is a 1.25m sq ft project to provide new space for business, residential and leisure uses.
It includes 800,000 sq ft of prime grade A office accommodation and is intended to transform a once forgotten part of the city into a vibrant Business and Innovation Hub.
The scheme is expected to benefit from the arrival of HS2 in the city and forms part of the Curzon HS2 Masterplan, which is set to revolutionise the Eastside area.
Part of the development will see developer Goodman bring a fire damaged and locally listed former cycle factory back to life, retaining its red brick façade and heritage alongside brand new buildings.
The site, which is within the Birmingham City Centre Enterprise Zone, will enable businesses to benefit from Birmingham’s increased connectivity, reduced business rates and access to high quality graduates.
James Raven, Development Director at Goodman, said: “Greater Birmingham has an unrivalled confidence at MIPIM 2016. We are seeing record levels of investment, strong leadership, great universities, the LEP and the Midlands Engine for Growth work together to make it an attractive global investment destination.
“Birmingham is the ideal place for connecting university talent with both the booming start-up scene and with the larger businesses that are looking to escape the rising costs of London. Combine this with record levels of tourism and the top ranking UK regional city for quality of life, and you have a destination that people want to live, work and invest in.
“As a developer it’s a very exciting time for us as Eastside Locks takes shape. Our first phase is due to complete in May and our second phase is scheduled to begin on site later this year. Aided by the future arrival of HS2 and the work of key partners, we will unlock the potential for Eastside Locks to become a truly electrifying Business and Innovation hub.”
