It’s never quiet in the West Midlands when it comes to the property market – be it the latest happenings from major infrastructure projects like HS2 to local residential schemes, there is always plenty to shout about.

Following the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the region is working hard to maintain its physical legacy and continue to attract investment into the West Midlands. The Games sparked huge investment in our region’s infrastructure, such as the creation of world class sporting venue Alexander Stadium, the regeneration of Perry Barr, and region-wide improvements to transport infrastructure.

Beyond the Games, Birmingham has pumped major investment into its city centre in recent years, key examples of this being new commerce and cultural destination Paradise and 103 Colmore Row – both just a stone’s throw from Liquid’s Birmingham office!

With many developments rising up around us, what lies ahead for our city?

Green infrastructure

Last month, Birmingham city leaders attending this year’s UKREiiF, an investment and levelling up conference in Leeds, unveiled Our Future City: Central Birmingham Framework 2040 – a brand new framework that sets out an ambitious vision to create a greener, more inclusive city.

Former Birmingham City Council Leader, Ian Ward, and Chief Executive Deborah Cadman announced the plans along with representatives from development firms Howells and Arcadis. The 20-year vision has been produced in collaboration with citizens, businesses, developers, investors, and other regional partners.

The route map to a greener Birmingham includes more jobs, better transport options, and higher quality, energy efficient new homes. For this vision to come to life, the city’s many under-utilised buildings, predominantly in areas including Smithfield, Chinatown and Gay Village, and Bordesley and Digbeth, will be transformed to make way for new streets and public squares.

With public consultation now open on the draft plans until Thursday 20th July, the public have been invited to have their say on the future of our city. This marks an exciting time in Birmingham’s history, as the once heavily industrial city goes green.

Investment in logistics

Another key outcome of UKREiiF was the announcement that SEGRO is the strategic partner of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), with a commitment to invest £2 billion over the next decade.

As the leading owner, manager and developer of warehouse and industrial space, SEGRO aims to deliver 13.5 million sq ft of sustainable warehouse space across the West Midlands by the end of 2033.

This will further enhance the position of the region as a leader in logistics and provide new spaces for businesses to invest in, in turn creating jobs. Each of the developments will also provide affordable and easy-to-access electric vehicle charging points, supporting the region’s net zero ambitions.

Workspaces of the future

Birmingham’s corporate scene continues to grow, with new offices shooting up and many large companies choosing to relocate their headquarters from London to the West Midlands.

At Paradise, just last month work started on the latest commercial building of the development – Three Chamberlain Square. Scheduled to open in 2025, the building secured planning permission in June 2022 and forms a key part of the overall Paradise masterplan. The development will increase supply of Grade A office space for the city and integrates low energy, low carbon design, supporting the drive to net zero for the whole development.

Your contribution

At Liquid, we recognise the West Midlands property and infrastructure landscape is constantly evolving, and we work with a host of clients in the sector to support their needs against this backdrop.

We are passionate about helping our clients to make their mark, whether it be in the city landscape or among other organisations in their specific trade. Our dedicated property team is here to help you – no matter what kind communications support you might be looking for. Be it helping you to showcase your properties or projects to a wider audience, or supporting you with stakeholder engagement, we can add value and enhance your position in the wider market.

If this sounds like something that you would like more information about or would like our support with, please get in touch with our property team at propertyinfra@weareliquid.com.