Birmingham Business Park, which has played host to members of the royal family and former Prime Ministers, is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
The first phase of the Park was developed by Arlington in 1988 and comprised just seven buildings. Today, there are more than 300 units, providing two million sq ft of office space to more than 120 companies, including globally recognised brands such IMI, Fujitsu, Goodyear and Changan Automotive.
In 2014, Rolls Royce Aero Engine Controls opened its new £60 million purpose-built research, design, development and manufacturing facility at Birmingham Business Park, where it employs 1,200 people.
Located just off the M42, the business park forms part of The Hub, one of the West Midlands’ key economic development zones. In total, around 7,000 people are employed by the companies based at the site, making it a major generator of employment for the region.
In 1992, HRH Princess Anne officially opened the Park’s Waterside Centre, which houses the Park’s management office, shops, cafes, newsagents, dry cleaners and a nursery. The same year, former Prime Minister Tony Blair also visited the site with the then Labour leader Neil Kinnock, to launch his election campaign for Prime Minister.
Rob Large, director of Canmoor, who has asset managed Birmingham Business Park for the past five years, said: “Over the last 30 years, Birmingham Business Park has established itself as the region’s premiere out of town office park.
“It is home to global companies, which are leaders in their field and are helping create jobs and economic prosperity for the Greater Birmingham region.”
In addition to the facilities offered at the Waterside Centre, a wide range of events are held on the Park, from Foodie Fridays, fitness classes and yoga to cycling groups, designed to engage tenants and encourage wellbeing. An outdoor gym and table tennis table have also been installed.
Looking ahead, the majority owner of the Park, BlackRock UK Property Fund, is considering developing the final 17 acres, where planning consent has been granted by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council to create up to an additional 390,000 sq ft of commercial space.
Rob Large said: “This represents the next phase of development at Birmingham Business Park. We currently have one of our lowest ever vacancy rates and as the Park continues to attract high calibre businesses of all sizes, having space available for them to occupy is essential.
“It is also important that we continue to offer tenants the very best on-site facilities and amenities, as this is what sets Birmingham Business Park apart from others in the region.”