Members of Birmingham’s property fraternity came together at Hotel La Tour for the official launch of Exchange Square, the second phase of the Masshouse masterplan being brought forward by developer Nikal.
The event was held in Hotel La Tour’s conference suite, which overlooks the site of the future development, which is fully owned by Nikal.
Speakers at the breakfast event included Nick Payne, Nikal’s Managing Director, Glenn Howells from Glenn Howells Architect and Birmingham City Council leader Sir Albert Bore, who provided an overview of the scheme’s position within the city’s overarching Enterprise Zones initiative.
James Payne, Development Director at Nikal, said: “With planning consent secured, a clear site and infrastructure in place via the ultra-efficient combined heat and power generator at Aston University, Exchange Square signifies the next generation of office space in the city and is ready to be delivered now.
“Exchange Square is the missing link between expansion of the established business district towards Eastside and HS2 and will provide a solution to the expected deficit in Grade A space currently being faced by Birmingham. All that’s required to kick-start construction is a pre-let of 50,000 sq ft, with completion to of the first self-contained to Cat A specification expected within two years.
“We have flexible outline planning consent for the delivery of up to three quarters of a million square feet of mixed use accommodation. This comprises 550,000 sq ft of commercial space across two buildings, a 250-bedroom hotel and 50,000 sq ft of complementary retail all set around a new public square.”