Contractor Muse set to lead Arden Cross project
THE principal contractor which will lead the £3.2 billion Arden Cross scheme in Solihull has been chosen.
Muse was selected following a 12-month procurement process by the team behind the 346-acre project on land next to the M42 east of Birmingham Airport.
The overall vision for Arden Cross is to build around 3,000 new homes and up to six million sq ft of employment space, with the potential to create up to 27,000 jobs.
The first phase of development could come forward as early as 2025.
The site includes the new HS2 Interchange station where work is already under way by contractor Laing O’Rourke via a previously awarded tender.
Arden Cross is a special purpose delivery vehicle created by landowners Birmingham City Council, Packington Estate and Coleshill Estate to build a new destination and tap into the benefits of the arrival of the first phase of the high-speed rail line
between London and Birmingham.
This latest development follows the signing in September of a memorandum of understanding with University Hospitals Birmingham and University of Warwick to explore the opportunities for a new medical and tech campus at the site.
Ben Gray, project director of
Arden Cross, said: “Arden Cross is focused on delivering sustainable growth for the region and the whole of the UK and we know Muse will help us achieve this. We’re committed to working together to capitalise on the masterplan principles and deliver transformational change for the region while creating a worldleading economic hub for the UK in a unique public-private partnership that leverages the superb connectivity of Arden Cross.”
Muse’s development director Maggie Grogan added: “This is a truly unique opportunity to bring forward a landmark destination for the UK that’s a beacon for growth in the Midlands and we’re immensely proud to be joining the team.
“As a business, we’re committed to delivering sustainable regeneration at pace while at the same time bringing real, tangible benefits to communities and we can’t wait to get started.”
Cllr Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “This is another vote of confidence in Solihull and the region and our shared commitment to net zero carbon by 2030.
“A green, accessible and thriving new destination for the UK, Arden Cross has the potential to really add to our regional and national economy and the news that an experienced organisation like Muse is on board will fuel our ability to reach our objectives.”