Advanced Manufacturing Hub set for expansion as developer secures new contract
Developer Barberry has been named as preferred purchaser for the latest plot to be released at Birmingham’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub.
Barberry was selected by Birmingham City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency – advised by Savills, following a competitive bid selection.
Barberry will now speculatively develop a c. 60,000 sq ft (5,574 sq m) industrial facility on Plot 7 of the Aston hub.
Construction on the 2.9-acre site is slated to begin in Q4 2017, with completion in Q3 2018. As part of the AMH, the land benefits from a Local Development Order, which grants planning consent for manufacturing, light industrial, and research and development use without the need for a conventional application.
The new property will be the second speculative development at the AMH, following the 94,500 sq ft Apollo building, which completed construction in the first quarter of this year.
HydraForce Hydraulics was the first occupier to commit to the AMH in 2014, with more than 500 staff now based at its 120,000 sq ft European headquarters. Additionally, global tool manufacturer Guhring has developed a 50,000 sq ft factory at the site, which accommodates R&D and the full manufacturing process.
Jonathan Robinson, Development Director at Barberry, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by BCC and the HCA as the preferred purchaser of this prime well located Birmingham site.
“Our proposed development complements several other schemes that Barberry is delivering within the region. We believe our investment will generate strong demand from both regional, national and global manufacturing, light industrial and research and development businesses ultimately generating jobs, economic growth and regeneration for the region.”
Charlie Spicer, industrial director at Savills, said: “Barberry’s investment and confidence in the AMH is another major milestone in the progression of the scheme and highlights its growing maturity.”
Cllr John Clancy, leader of Birmingham City Council, said he was pleased Barberry had committed to the investment which he claimed, demonstrated the continued strength and confidence in the city’s industrial sector.
Pictured from left: Az Islam, BCC; Stuart Buckley HCA; Jonathan Robinson, Barberry; Iain MacLeod, BCC; and Charlie Spicer, Savills.
