Hammerson has won planning consent in principle for its £300m redevelopment of Birmingham’s Bull Ring shopping centre, signalling the start of the city centre’s transformation.
The decision gives Hammerson the edge against the £400m rival Land Securities retail scheme, Martineau Galleries, which has yet to get the green light from planning chiefs.
Birmingham Council approved Hammerson’s 110,000 sq m (1.2m sq ft) complex at a public meeting on Thursday. A spokesman for the local authority said Hammerson will put forward more detailed proposals in the summer. These are likely to include provisions for an indoor market building for local traders who packed the committee room.
Hammerson chief executive Ronald Spinney said: “The approval of the scheme in principle will further boost confidence in the future of the city centre as the retailing heart of the West Midlands.
Debenhams signed up to anchor Hammerson’s scheme last month. Martineau Galleries has yet to secure a major tenant.
EGi News 01/04/97
