MIPIM 2017: Stoford Developments is to deliver an ambitious £200m redevelopment of the Gooch Estate property portfolio around Typhoo Wharf in Birmingham city centre.
The Birmingham-based developer will make the announcement at this week’s MIPIM event in Cannes. Stoford has been selected by the Gooch Estate to transform more than 10 acres of rundown and underutilised land in Digbeth, which includes Typhoo Wharf and the former Typhoo Tea building together with the adjoining canal basin, where tea used to arrive in Birmingham from London.
Typhoo Wharf will adjoin the new proposed HS2 Curzon Station and has been identified as a premier strategic regeneration opportunity and key catalyst for growth in Birmingham City Council’s Big City Plan.
A mixed-use development and innovation hub is proposed of at least 1m sq ft, to include grade-A offices, SME business incubator space, bars and restaurants, artist studios and homes. The opportunity is expected to attract major inward investment into Digbeth.
A planning application will be prepared this summer and work is due to start on site in mid-2018. The original 1930s building at Typhoo Wharf will be converted and new buildings will follow on the remaining vacant land.
Jon Andrews, director at Stoford, said: “This is a very ambitious scheme that promises to set the tone for transformation of the Digbeth area of the city.
“This strategic development opportunity is within short walking distance of Birmingham’s proposed Curzon Street HS2 railway station and adjacent to the Metro tram line extension to High Street, Deritend, which is due to open in 2023. This transformational infrastructure places the Gooch Estate portfolio at the heart of a programme of commercial and cultural development that will be of national and international significance.”
Stoford will also work closely with Birmingham City Council and Curzon Regeneration Company, Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, Savills and other local stakeholders to ensure a collaborative approach for the delivery of the project.
Waheed Nazir, strategic director, economy, at Birmingham City Council, added: “The city council sees the Digbeth area as a major regeneration zone. Located on the doorstep of HS2 and with a £724m investment plan, Digbeth will be set for significant transformation. This announcement is a major step forward and hugely positive.”
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