A comprehensive plan for the Goods Station project in Birmingham has been lodged.
- Vita Group leads the initiative, aiming to revitalise vacant urban land.
- The development will feature nearly 1,000 apartments across five buildings.
- Commercial spaces and amenities like a food hall and co-working areas are included.
- The project is expected to boost the local economy and create significant job opportunities.
Plans for the Goods Station project in Birmingham city centre propose a substantial mixed-use development on previously unused land. With approximately 1,000 apartments, this plan represents a significant addition to the city’s housing stock. The project is situated near Birmingham’s iconic Mailbox complex, a strategic location for attracting residents and businesses alike.
Vita Group, a Cheshire-based property and business services firm, acquired the site from London & Continental Railways last year. Since acquisition, the group has engaged in a detailed design and consultation process, culminating in a formal planning application now submitted to the city council.
The proposed development comprises five buildings of varying heights, from ten to 49 storeys. The tallest structures, at 39 and 49 storeys, will house a total of 868 apartments. The 29-storey building is designated for student accommodation, with 720 bedrooms available under Vita’s House of Social brand. These facilities will be complemented by a 17,000 sq ft public food hall, showcasing Birmingham’s vibrant food scene.
Additional features of the development include a 19-storey building with 221 serviced apartments and a restaurant. A further ten-storey building will provide 122 apartments and a retail unit. The architectural design by SimpsonHaugh and planning consultancy from Turley emphasizes a blend of residential and commercial spaces, creating a dynamic urban environment.
Key amenities planned for the development include a swimming pool, cinema rooms, private dining areas, co-working spaces, a gym, and cycle storage. These facilities are designed to enhance the living experience and encourage community interaction. The buildings will encircle a central garden and an open walkway, connecting the site’s different aspects and integrating it into the urban fabric of Birmingham.
This project is located on a site once known as Axis Square, historically utilised as a railway depot. The revitalisation of this brownfield site into a modern urban neighbourhood underscores a significant transformation effort. Notably, no substantial development had occurred on this land aside from the demolition of a 1970s building in 2022.
Vita Group anticipates that the construction phase will generate approximately 485 jobs, injecting an estimated £245 million into the local economy. Post-completion, the development is expected to support an additional 185 jobs, while also contributing £2.4 million in council tax and injecting £7.8 million annually into Birmingham’s economy.
Jon Weston, Vita Group’s development director, emphasised the transformative impact of the Goods Station project, highlighting its potential to act as a catalyst for broader urban regeneration in Birmingham. “The Goods Station represents not just an investment in housing and jobs but also in the cultural and economic vitality of the city.“
The Goods Station project stands to significantly impact Birmingham through enhanced housing options, job creation, and economic growth.
