Plans revealed for retirement complex in Sutton Coldfield

How the scheme could look

McCarthy Stone, the developer and manager of retirement communities, has acquired an interest in land next to the Empire Cinema off Holland Road, Sutton Coldfield and is bringing forward proposals to redevelop the site.

The proposed development is located on land adjacent to the Empire Cinema, off Holland Road, land that has previously been used as a pay and display car park.

Sutton Coldfield has been designated by Birmingham City Council as a “Green Travel District” and as such, the Town Council has outlined its policy to consolidate parking and promote flexible transport solutions in the town centre. As part of this strategy, there is an understanding that there is surplus car parking across the town centre and that certain sites, such as that on Holland Road, should be repurposed for development.

The Empire Cinema has been seeking a buyer to redevelop the Holland Road car park, a sale that will provide the cinema with funding necessary to bring forward their plans to refurbish the cinema. It has been agreed with Empire Cinema that a number of car parking spaces on-site will be retained for the cinema.

Justin Ribbons, CEO of Empire Cinema said: “We are delighted to partner with McCarthy Stone on this site in Sutton Coldfield and consider this an important step in securing the long-term future of the Empire Cinema. Looking nationally, at other cinemas in sustainable, central locations, we are confident in the viability of the Empire Cinema in Sutton Coldfield, without parking adjacent.”

“With Birmingham Road as a main public transport route and a number of other public car parks within the town centre, we believe this partnership with McCarthy Stone presents a suitable opportunity to secure the future of the Empire Cinema at this location and support Sutton Coldfield Town Council to meet its policy to consolidate parking within the town.”

“We remain committed to refurbishing and reopening the Empire Cinema in Sutton Coldfield and McCarthy Stone’s proposals present us with an opportunity to achieve this goal, allowing us to continue to serve local film lovers.”

McCarthy Stone’s proposal for the site includes the development of 43 retirement living apartments.

Matt Wills, divisional managing director Midlands, McCarthy Stone said: “Our plans provide a fantastic opportunity to deliver much-needed Retirement Living accommodation in Sutton Coldfield. The site is ideally located for residents to access local shops and services, with nearby bus routes into Birmingham and the train station providing transport links across the wider region.

“We’re proposing a sensitive design that respects the character of the local area and we want to hear local views on our proposals before we finalise our planning application. I’d encourage people to go online and view the proposals, where they’ll be able to complete our online feedback form.”

The local community is encouraged to find out more about the plans and provide their feedback at a virtual consultation which will be available online from Tuesday 9th November at www.mccarthystoneconsultation.co.uk/suttoncoldfield.

 

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