Iconic dining plan for Birmingham Bullring unveiled

This is the first image of a new restaurant complex set to be built next to Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre.

Under plans revealed today, three new restaurants will be built at the iconic shopping centre as part of a 20,000sq ft development around St Martin's Square.

If backed by city planners the scheme, which will be called Spiceal Street, will see half the site taken up by the new restaurants, with the rest opened as a public space.

Computer-generated images show a curved roof linking the three new units, along with a new water feature.

It will also open up the shopping centre to St Martin's Walk and to St Martin's Square. The existing coffee shop, Gloria Jean's Spiral Cafe and the steps leading to upper levels of the Bullring are set to be relocated under the plans.

Bosses at Bullring said it is too early to say which restaurants will move in, or how many jobs will be created by the development, but have invited the public to an exhibition to view the designs, set to open on Thursday.

The original Spiceal Street, on the site of the new development was famed for its spices, grocery and meat trade back in the 1700s.

Developers wanted to build on this rich culinary history by incorporating the name in its new sheme.

Designed by Chapman Taylor, the plans are being brought forward by developers Hammerson.

Lawrence Hutchings, Hammerson managing director for UK retail said: "We have a proven track record in Birmingham with Bullring delivering an exceptional retail focus for the city.

"Spiceal Street will enhance Bullring's presence in the region and reinforces our long-term involvement and investment in Birmingham.

"We have a strong reputation for bringing new brands to the city and we are confident we can continue this at Spiceal Street."

The exhibition of the plans will be in Central Street Bullring from 10am-7pm on Thursday and 10am-6pm on Friday.