Hammerson have announced that they will be bringing forward a new masterplan later this year which is set to see the 6.5-acre Martineau Galleries site transformed. The masterplan, which will be progressed towards the submission for a planning application once the masterplan has been developed, will see the outdated site revamped to benefit from the significant developments at Curzon Street and Colmore Row which it currently sits between.

The development being brought forward by Hammerson, who’re set to present about their future plans at the West of England Economic Growth Conference, are likely to focus around various mixed-use schemes. The site currently houses The Square shopping centre, an Ikea store and additional retail units at Kings Parade with parking, but the site has been unloved for many years and the potential regeneration of the area has been welcomed.

Charles Toogood, Senior Director and Head of National Offices at GVA, said: ”It’s the missing link in central Birmingham. The only part of the city centre that still looks like it did 30 years ago is that site.”

Several retail schemes have taken priority over the Martineau Galleries, although local property experts claim it could create a better and more sustainable scheme.

Tariq Shaikh, Principal and Leader of UK Regional Markets at Gensler says: ”Rather than compete with the established retail offering towards the south of the city, the site offers to connect the commercial part of town to the HS2 terminal, as well as offering much-needed high-quality residential apartments located in the city centre.”

The site, which was originally set for retail, is now likely to see an overhaul in the new masterplan by Hammerson, with the expectation that it will focus on office space due to the exceptional location and proximity to the city centre and the new HS2 Curzon Street station. The 6.5-acre site could offer around 1m sq ft of office space, alongside hundreds of residential homes which would be a major boost for housing in the region, especially at a time when city centre living is a real focus.

We’re excited to have Hammerson presenting at the West of England Economic Growth Conference about their projects and future development plans alongside 15 other public and private sector firms. Join us there!