Plans for ‘truly transformational’ scheme at NEC take a step forward

An artist's impression of how neccity could look

Plans for a huge housing scheme to be built on the NEC campus have taken a step forward.

The project, which has been billed as the largest of its kind in the West Midlands, would see up to 2,500 homes, a new theatre district and new commercial space built on land currently used for car parking at the NEC campus in a move which could create 10,000 jobs.

The plans were first mooted in 2018, when an outline masterplan was created to outline “neccity” – which was dubbed as “truly transformational”.

The 2018 masterplan reads: “The creation of a high-quality visitor experience and an exemplar of sustainable development will be at the forefront of design at nec•city. Innovation and creativity in design of buildings, public spaces and infrastructure will ensure they meet the needs of current and future users, are adaptable to economic, social, technological and environmental change, and respond to site context.”

Now, talks are being held with a view to formally submitting a planning application for the site.

West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, said: “Solihull’s Green Belt is under huge pressure. Solihull Council and I are working relentlessly to bring forward brownfield sites to meet housing demands. This could be the biggest brownfield site in the region and we’ll do all we can to make it happen quickly.”

A spokesperson for the NEC Group added: “Discussions are taking place with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Birmingham City Council and the Mayor’s Office on how we can continue to support the protection of the greenbelt, whilst supporting the ambitious development plans for the region.”

 

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