Muse revealed as development partner for £3.2bn Arden Cross scheme
Developer Muse has been revealed as Arden Cross’ development partner for the £3.2bn mixed-use scheme.
Arden Cross Ltd, the consortium behind the scheme has appointed Muse to move forward with its plans to build 3,000 new homes, create up to 6 million sq ft of employment space and generate around 27,000 new jobs.
The 346-acre Arden Cross regeneration is being spearheaded by Arden Cross Ltd, a delivery vehicle created by landowners Birmingham City Council, Packington Estate and Coleshill Estate.
Arden Cross Masterplan CGI
The aim of the consortium is to drive forward the potential of the site where the new HS2 Interchange station is already under construction alongside wider partners including the Department for Transport, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and the Urban Growth Company.
The first phase of development could come forward as early as 2025 and could see a range of facilities and employment opportunities created.
The appointment of Muse comes after Arden Cross recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) and with the University of Warwick to explore opportunities for bringing forward a new Medical & Technology Campus to deliver ‘world-beating innovation’ in the healthcare and technology sectors.
Ben Gray, Project Director with Arden Cross Ltd, said: ‘Arden Cross is focused on delivering sustainable growth for the region and the whole of the UK and we know Muse will help us achieve this. We’re committed to working together to capitalise on the masterplan principles and deliver transformational change for the region while creating a world leading economic hub for the UK in a unique public-private partnership that leverages the superb connectivity of Arden Cross.’
Maggie Grogan, Development Director for Muse, said: ‘This is a truly unique opportunity to bring forward a landmark destination for the UK that’s a beacon for growth in the Midlands and we’re immensely proud to be joining the team. As a business, we’re committed to delivering sustainable regeneration at pace, while at the same time bringing real, tangible benefits to communities and we can’t wait to get started.’
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “With more than £800 million of investment already committed to the Arden Cross site, there is a huge amount of national and indeed international interest in the tremendous potential of the site to serve a multiplicity of uses.
“This announcement with a partner of the calibre of Muse reinforces that interest and maintains the momentum around this landmark public private partnership. I’m confident that Arden Cross can and will be a real exemplar of the Levelling Up agenda – boosting the regional and national economy and changing lives locally for the better in the months and years ahead.”
Real estate advisor JLL led the marketing process to attract the new development partner, with Muse being selected after a 12-month procurement process.
