MIPIM 2013: Birmingham’s economic zones debut at international event
BIRMINGHAM is revealing its new economic zones at an international event for the first time during MIPIM.
The six zones are expected to create 1.8m sq m of new floorspace and attract £1.5bn of investment by forming the right environment for enterprise.
They also support one of the UK’s most ambitious inward investment strategies, by aligning Birmingham’s planning, investment and economic priorities to attract new businesses.
This has created the opportunity for new tailored space, facilities and support for sectors identified as having the greatest potential for growth in the city – including business and professional services, creative & digital media, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, food & drink and IT, electronics and communications (ITEC). 
Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Our economic zones have created a blueprint for the city’s future, demonstrating Birmingham’s ambitious vision to become the UK’s enterprise capital. The result of collaborative work between partners across the city, the zones will deliver a range of new floorspace, create thousands of jobs and enable new businesses to thrive here.
“The zones will help international investors to reap the benefits of locating in Birmingham, and become part of one of the most exciting cities in Europe.”
The economic zones are an integral part of Birmingham’s offer for investors.
They will be unveiled during MIPIM at an event on the Birmingham stand today. Attendees will also have an exclusive look at the interactive 3D map that will bring the zones to life.
Jonathan Wallis, development director at Miller Developments,suggests the Arena Central scheme is set to benefit from its location in one of the city’s economic zones.
“Arena Central is a great regeneration vision supported by Birmingham City Council and set to come forward in an outstanding location at the heart of the city,” he said.
“With the benefit of an existing planning permission and a vacant site, we are the most ‘ready to go’ development site in the city centre, capable of delivering a new building in under two years from signing-up an occupier.
“We are naturally very excited to be located within the city’s central Enterprise Zone, one of the six economic zones, and we are confident that the increased benefits and incentives that this will bring will help to kick-start development.”
The Economic Zones Prospectus is available for investors looking to locate or expand in Birmingham. To receive a copy, please visit the Birmingham stand R27.09 at MIPIM, or download it online.
