The unveiling of Birmingham’s Goods Station project heralds a major urban development in the city.
- Cheshire-based Vita Group proposes a large-scale mixed-use scheme for a vacant site.
- Nearly 1,000 apartments and student accommodation are central to the plan.
- The development features extensive amenities and aims to enhance Birmingham’s cultural scene.
- Economic benefits include job creation and significant contributions to the local economy.
In a bold urban vision, the Goods Station project in Birmingham city centre has been announced, promising a transformative mixed-use scheme. Led by Vita Group, the project will redevelop vacant land in Holliday Street, adjacent to the renowned Mailbox complex. This development seeks to introduce nearly 1,000 apartments, alongside various commercial spaces and a dynamic food hall.
The scheme will unfold across five distinct buildings, ranging from ten to forty-nine storeys. The tallest of these, located at the Suffolk Street Queensway end, will accommodate 868 apartments. Additionally, a 29-storey building will offer 720 student bedrooms under the House of Social brand, complemented by a substantial public food hall aiming to spotlight Birmingham’s vibrant food culture.
Noteworthy features also include a 19-storey structure housing 221 serviced apartments, complete with a restaurant, and a ten-storey block containing 122 apartments paired with retail spaces. The five buildings will collectively offer modern amenities such as a swimming pool, cinema rooms, private dining facilities, co-working spaces, a gym, and cycle storage, all surrounding an accessible central garden.
This project marks a pivotal change for the site, historically known as Axis Square. Once a railway depot in the 1920s, the site has largely remained undeveloped since the Axis building’s demolition in 2022. Designed by SimpsonHaugh with planning by Turley, the project involves a collaborative process, including consultations with Birmingham City Council and community stakeholders.
The anticipated economic impact is substantial. Vita Group estimates that the construction phase will create around 485 jobs and contribute approximately £245 million to the local economy, with an additional 185 jobs post-completion. The development is also projected to generate an extra £2.4 million in council tax and add £7.8 million yearly to Birmingham’s economy.
The Goods Station project is poised to become a vital asset for Birmingham, delivering new homes, jobs, and boosting the city’s cultural and economic landscape.