£3bn masterplan launched for HS2 station site

The near 350-acre Arden Cross site, home to one of four new HS2 interchange stations, has been earmarked for a major development that regional leaders believe will create 27,000 jobs and deliver up to 3,000 new homes.

Under the plans, the sprawling plot – which is off the M42 to the east of the NEC – could also offer up to six million sq ft of commercial development linked together via tree-lined walkways.

The scheme is the brainchild of urban growth company Arden Cross Limited, with bosses hoping the new HS2 station will be the "catalyst to create unprecedented economic growth".

They want public and private sector chiefs to join forces to turn the long mooted project into reality, with a public consultation set to be launched on the plans in September.

It is estimated that the development could add £1bn to the region's economy. The site will neighbour other facilities of huge economic significance to the region, including the NEC and Resorts World, Birmingham Airport, Birmingham Business Park and Jaguar Land Rover – a cluster area collectively known as 'The Hub'.

Arden Cross Limited 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.

"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 sector, 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."

The masterplan has been backed by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, who described it as "exactly the kind of vision and ambition that will help to drive both the regional and national economy forward".

He added: "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."

Nick Brown, chairman of the Urban Growth Company (UGC), which is leading infrastructure investment and development across the wider UK Central Hub, said: "A huge amount of work has been undertaken by all the partners to get to this stage so we welcome the ambition of this masterplan which is perfectly aligned to our wider ambitions for the UK Central Hub.

"For example, we now see HS2 on board with plans for The Hub, including support for multi-storey car parks at Arden Cross rather than surface car parks which would hugely frustrate development opportunities there.

"That coming together of partners and agreement of shared principles means we are moving ever closer to our joint goal of greenbelt release and delivering high-quality, sustainable, mixed-use development.

"That is how we’ll create the jobs, homes, commercial spaces and world-class connectivity the region needs now more than ever."

Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: "Arden Cross and the UK Central Hub are crucial for realising the potential of Solihull and the region.

"From high value manufacturing sites to a learning campus and innovation district, Arden Cross will be designed to support and pioneer new ideas and technological innovation while being highly sustainable by design."

The move follows the NEC masterplan, which was launched in 2018 and aims to transform 185 acres of land to create nearly 3.4 million sq ft of new floorspace, up to 10,000 new jobs and 2,500 new homes. A new film and TV studio and a 'landmark theatre' have also been proposed for the site.