Apollo spells out Birmingham’s positive message post-Brexit

WORK has started on the new £8.5m speculative scheme at Birmingham’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub – sending out a clear message of intent on behalf of the city’s ambitions, business leaders have said.

The 94,500 sq ft Apollo facility in Aston sees commercial developer Trebor and its investment partner, Aviva Investors, working in conjunction with Birmingham City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency.

Supported by funding from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), the AMH has already attracted two global engineering companies in the shape of Hydraforce, which has opened a 125,000 sq ft facility and Guhring, where works are currently underway.

The latest development, due for completion next February, takes investment on the site past the £40m mark.

Cllr John Clancy, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Whatever the national economic uncertainty, Birmingham is not standing still and the fact that construction of this new high quality manufacturing facility is underway gives a clear signal of our intent.

“We’re creating high quality jobs and business opportunities and this demonstrates both the resilience of the city’s economy and the underlying strength of the manufacturing sector.”

Andy Street, chairman of the GBSLEP, added: “The fact this is a speculative development demonstrates confidence in the continued expansion of the manufacturing sector post Brexit.”