THE redevelopment of a key site in the heart of Birmingham’s business district has taken a step forward after a full planning application was submitted for the first element.
Phase 1 of the regeneration of the former Birmingham Post and Mail offices and print works, in Weaman Street, would see the partial demolition of the existing building to street level.
New levels would be inserted into the basement to create a 800-space car park with a new, two-storey building above it.
This would accommodate the car park access, egress points, toilets, customer service facilities, retail units and an entrance for Phase 2 of the project.
Property entrepreneurs Alan Chatham and Mark Billingham, who are currently trying to sell the mixed-use Mailbox complex in Birmingham, bought the building in 2009 after the Post and Mail and Sunday Mercury moved its staff out to Fort Dunlop, by the M6.
Phase 2 of the project by ‘Chatham Billingham Investments’, the new company set up by the duo to deliver this and possible future projects, would see a multi-storey building sitting above Phase 1.
Outline planning permission is currently being sought to establish the height and massing of Phase 2 of the development.
Other elements of the scheme could see new retail and restaurant units, offices, a hotel and residential accommodation built.
The existing building has a floor area of 159,500 sq ft while the basement area covers 285,00 sq ft.
