East End’s HP development could trigger Aston regeneration
THE £35m redevelopment of the old HP factory site in Aston could be the catalyst for the regeneration of the area, according to the architect of the Wourha family’s ambitious hotel and trade project.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the start of construction on the site near Aston Cross, Naveed Hamed, managing director of architects MADE, said the location was effectively the eastern gateway to Birmingham and therefore had considerable potential that could be unlocked by the East End Foods development.
“This development is at the epicentre of this side of the city and will complement other plans to create jobs and enterprise in and around Aston. We think some of the listed buildings nearby could benefit as developers would be attracted to the area by the East End development.”
Company secretary Jason Wourha and commercial director Paul Wourha outlined their plans at the site. See video below:
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East End Foods, the ethnic food company with bases in West Bromwich and Birmingham, is expected to move its headquarters to the site, which will include a four-star hotel, an Asian cookery schools, and a ‘vertical farm’ which company founder Tony Wourha wants to use to educate local people about the whole food cycle. The first phase will see a new cash and carry and bonded warehouse, which is expected to be opened later this year.
Mr Wourha said: “We are very excited that work is underway for this project. The site is a prominent gateway to Birmingham and one with an important legacy for the city and the food industry. We are proud to be continuing this association with a development that will secure its future as a vibrant commercial centre for food innovation and enterprise.”
Phase 2 of the development is due to commence in 2012 with the construction of a 15 storey 4 star luxury hotel and a 1,200 person capacity conference centre costing £26m.
