Birmingham City Council (BCC) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), advised by Savills, have selected Barberry as preferred purchaser for Plot 7 of the Advanced Manufacturing Hub, following a competitive bid selection process. The site is 2.9-acre site on the Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMH) in Aston, Birmingham.
Barberry will speculatively develop a c. 60,000 sq ft (5,574 sq m) industrial facility at the at the scheme located immediately adjacent to J6 of the M6, with construction due to begin in Q4 2017 and be completed in Q3 2018. As part of the AMH, the land benefits from a Local Development Order, which grants planning consent for manufacturing, light industrial, and research and development (R & D) use without the need for a conventional application.
The new property will be the second speculative development at the AMH, following the 94,500 sq ft (8,779 sq m) Apollo building which completed construction in Q1 2017.
HydraForce Hydraulics was the first occupier to commit to the AMH in 2014, with more than 500 staff now based there at its 120,000 sq ft (11,148 sq m) European headquarters. Additionally, global tool manufacturer Guhring has developed a 50,000 sq ft (4,645 sq m) factory at the site, which accommodates R&D and the full manufacturing process.
Jonathan Robinson, Development Director at Barberry, commented: “We are delighted to have been chosen by BCC and the HCA as the preferred purchaser of this prime well located Birmingham site. Our proposed development complements several other schemes that Barberry are delivering within the region. We believe our investment will generate strong demand from both regional, national and global manufacturing, light industrial and research and development businesses ultimately generating jobs, economic growth and regeneration for the region.”
Charlie Spicer, industrial director at Savills, said: “Barberry’s investment and confidence in the AMH is another major milestone in the progression of the scheme and highlights its growing maturity.”
John Clancy of Birmingham City Council, said: “I am delighted that Barberry has decided to make this significant investment which demonstrates continued strength and confidence in the city’s industrial sector. We’re working closely with partners to create inclusive growth by bringing high quality jobs and opportunities to the Advanced Manufacturing Hub.”