High street stores oppose £100m regen plan
Controversial plans for the £100m redevelopment of Birmingham's New Street station are being recommended for approval despite opposition from retailers House of Fraser and Argos. The plans are set to go before the city council's planning committee on Thursday (18 August).
The retailers sent letters of objection to the authority while Bullring shopping centre and transport operator Centro also submitted comments regarding the proposals.
The 1.4-acre scheme to transform New Street station and its surroundings was announced in February this year. The applicant behind the scheme, Network Rail Infrastructure, is bidding for full planning approval from Birmingham City Council's planning committee.
House of Fraser objected to the planning application on the grounds that proposals were not in accordance with a previous development plan, which stated that future retail development would be in the Bullring and Martineau Galleries. The retailer added that the shopping destination would "detract from the retail circuit" of the Bullring, Pallasades and Martineau Place.
Argos also objected to the proposals in two separate letters to the council. The company currently occupies one of eight units in the neighbouring Pallasades centre which are set to be demolished to provide space for the new retailers.
The company said the proposed scheme was "radically different" from the consented Gateway scheme, and said provisions had not been made for the "smaller, more affordable" retailers in Pallasades which would be affected by the development. It also asked for more clarity over the "range and choice" of the new retailers who will take on the New Street premises.
However, officers concluded that future retail opportunities would be available in the Martineau Galleries and the city centre to satisfy retailers.
As part of the development, eight existing units in Pallasades will be demolished and reconfigured to provide space for the John Lewis outlet and three other retail stores.
The planning application suggests that about 127 new jobs would be created by the scheme – a figure diluted by the number of jobs lost with the demolition of eight existing outlets on site.
John Lewis's store will comprise about 249,991 sq ft. Several other retail and restaurant units are proposed for the remaining space totalling 32,442 sq ft. The station's car park will be extended to provide an additional 50 spaces.
In a letter to the council, the Bullring questioned "key shortcomings" in the transport assessment – including the amount of traffic which would be generated and worries over traffic management – but largely supported the application.
Centro advised that a draft travel plan should be submitted for review and comment should the proposals be accepted.
Officers recommend the proposals to be accepted subject to a Section 106 legal Agreement.
The applicant would be required to contribute a total of £230,000 in costs to pay for Shopmobility, finding signage and planning administration. A commitment to local employment and training is also desired, said the planning application.
