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Listening and acting

Consulting with our stakeholders and reaching out to the communities around us is an important part of our work, both now and in the future.

Arden Cross CGI of site

Throughout September 2020, we asked stakeholders, interested parties and the general public to give us their views on our initial masterplan proposals.

We are now reviewing the many responses we have had to help define the masterplan and develop our proposals further.

The next iteration of the masterplan will incorporate key themes such as sustainability as highlighted through the consultation process. Arden Cross Ltd are grateful for the time people have taken in responding to the consultation.

This process will help us to ensure the end development is as closely aligned with the priorities of those around us as possible.

The voices of those who live and work alongside us are important. We promise to listen and aim to help alleviate concerns and take on board constructive views.

We want the plans for Arden Cross to create a positive, long lasting legacy for those living and working in the region and beyond. We want local people to feel that the jobs and prosperity from the development will impact their lives in a positive way and that their views are being listened to.

Central Avenue

The Vision

Masterplan architect Simon Catton of Weston Williamson sets the scene for Arden Cross and the design principles on which the plans have been created.

The Vision, Narrated by Simon Catton, Weston Williamson

Glossary of Terms

The masterplan document is a technical report using technical terminology. We have therefore created a summary of the more widely used terms and phrases which can be downloaded below.

FAQs

Who is behind Arden Cross?

Arden Cross Limited (ACL), is a special purpose delivery vehicle created by landowners Birmingham City Council, Packington Estate and Coleshill Estate and is working with development partner Muse Developments to bring forward the development.

What’s the masterplan proposal for?

To create a mixed-use destination that can help level up the national economy by creating new jobs, skills and innovation in the heart of the Midlands and that will contribute an extra £1 billion a year to our regional economy.

Why is this proposal coming forward now?

HS2 was approved to proceed at the start of this year and is now progressing. By dovetailing the start of Arden Cross with the construction of HS2 and the new Interchange station, we will minimise disruption for local people while maximising the opportunity to create a new centre for jobs, skills and innovation.

How long will Arden Cross take to build?

Realistically, it will take around 20 years to deliver this new destination which will be brought forward in phases. We anticipate that the early phases will be delivered in line with the opening of the Interchange Station around 2028.

How will local communities benefit from the development?

The development of Arden Cross will support up to 27,000 jobs and deliver up to 3,000 new homes. It will also create up to 6 million square feet of employment space as well as provide transport connections, learning, parkland and leisure amenities.

How will Arden Cross impact local infrastructure and facilities?

The site will develop its own new infrastructure connections ensuring the impact on surrounding communities is minimal. There will be a large amount of cycle and pedestrian routes developed and the site will be largely car-free. There will also be new educational and other community facilities built as part of Arden Cross.

Isn’t the site in the Green Belt?

Solihull Council is due to remove the Arden Cross site from the Green Belt so the HS2 Interchange station and the wider Arden Cross development can move forward in line with regional and national planning guidelines. The exceptional nature of the HS2 station, the proposed development and the number of jobs, homes and opportunities it has the potential to create, means it is vital the site is allowed to come forward as a sustainable new development.

How sustainable is Arden Cross?

This is a highly sustainable site sitting within an unparalleled transport network and will have the new HS2 Interchange station at its heart. The development will nurture and substantially enhance the green and blue infrastructure running through the site.

Who is paying for Arden Cross?

Arden Cross Limited and Muse will look to leverage both public and private investment into the site.

What happens next and where can I find out more?

The new Arden Cross website contains lots of information about the proposals, including the Masterplan document itself. The website will continue to be updated with the latest news and proposals for the development. You can also sign up to receive email updates on the scheme by completing the sign up form on the website.