Arden Cross has unveiled an ambitious £3 billion plan to create a sustainable new business, leisure and residential destination and world leading economic hub around the site of HS2’s planned Interchange station.
The 140 hectare (346 acre) site, to the east of the NEC campus and M42 motorway, has the potential to boost the regional economy of the Midlands by over a £1 billion, create and support up to 27,000 new jobs, and deliver up to 3,000 new homes and up to 6 million square feet of commercial development, connected through new public realm and green spaces which retain and enhance the historic landscape features across the site.
Located at the very heart of the UK, Arden Cross sits alongside Birmingham Airport, the NEC, Birmingham Business Park and Jaguar Land Rover and is an integral part of the Urban Growth Company’s wider plans for the UK Central Hub.
At the heart of the development is the HS2 Interchange station – the first stop outside London on the new national high-speed rail system – that will connect to Birmingham Curzon Street station, Leeds and Manchester, giving Arden Cross direct access to London and regional centres across the UK.
An automated people mover (APM) from the station will transport visitors and commuters to the NEC and the leisure facilities at Resorts World, Birmingham International station and Birmingham airport.
Arden Cross director Ben Gray said: “The intention for Arden Cross has always been to deliver a world class development with the HS2 Interchange station at its heart and by launching our masterplan, we are a step closer to delivering that ambition. The Arden Cross Limited shareholders are focused on creating a game-changing legacy that will lift the entire Midlands economy.
“Our 346-acre site provides the opportunity to deliver significant economic growth and a sustainable mixed-use environment, bringing together new homes, work and learning places, all served by extensive transport links and car-free public spaces.
“Unlocking this transformational opportunity will require a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors and, as we put our masterplan on show for the first time, I am looking forward to continuing to work closely with central government, Solihull Council, the Urban Growth Company, the West Midlands Combined Authority, regional stakeholders and local communities to bring our plans to fruition.”
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street welcomed the launch of the masterplan. He said: “The Arden Cross masterplan is exactly the kind of vision and ambition that will help to drive both the regional and national economy forward.
“By actively working together and capitalising on the jump start that HS2 has created, Arden Cross has the opportunity to be truly transformational and deliver a whole new business and residential community of national importance, centred around the principles of sustainability and connectivity, while also creating new neighbourhoods and locations for leisure and learning as well as living and working.”
Arden Cross is being delivered by a consortium of three landowners who between them own the Arden Cross development site: Birmingham City Council, Coleshill Estate and Packington Estate. The Consortium has formed a special purpose vehicle, Arden Cross Limited, to bring forward the development, which is anticipated to be delivered over a period of around 20 years.
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