Over the last few years, West Bromwich town centre has undergone one of the largest physical and economic refurbishment programmes in the West Midlands region, with changes now visibly taking shape.
The programme has seen hundreds of millions of pounds invested into schemes that provide both residents and visitors of West Bromwich with state-of-the-art opportunities, amenities and services.
Experienced property developers, HCT Homes and Bramham Properties, have undertaken a project to regenerate the old Unite building - Transport House - and give it new life.
Comprising a detached 4-storey office building, as well as a secure car parking area, Transport House has been acquired by planning permission under Permitted Development (PD) rights. The building will be converted by HCT Homes and Bramham Properties into 37 residential units, however, the developers are working together with Sandwell Council to increase the number of saleable units to 45. Ranging from studio, 1-bedroom and duplex units, the building is set to increase in potential through this development, offering the local area a brand new asset.
Described as an urban jungle and great commuter city, Birmingham has been ranked as one of the UK’s most desirable cities to relocate. Once complete and given each unit’s price point, Transport House will attract more people on the housing ladder.
The Birmingham Economic Review (2019) states that the area is the youngest major city in Europe, with people under 25 accounting for almost 40% of its entire population - the perfect setting for young professionals looking for an affordable home. Based in West Bromwich city centre and aptly named, Transport House offers fantastic commuting links, with metro and bus services to wider locations within a stone’s throw.
Taking just 13 minutes to arrive in Birmingham centre, Lodge Road Metro Station is merely 0.2 miles away from the building. Its geographical position at the heart of the national motorway means it’s in the perfect location for those needing to commute to and from work, and other daily responsibilities.
After the recent completion of the Tokyo Olympics, heads are now turning towards the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022. The city is set to gain huge benefits from the Commonwealth Games legacy and it’s been estimated that the event will bring in over a million visitors and spectators.
Graham Stuart, Minister for Exports comments: “Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 will boost exports, attract inward investment and give both the Midlands and the rest of the UK the shot in the arm required to recover from the pandemic and create more and better paying jobs over the years to come”. In the build-up to the Commonwealth Games, BuyAssociation (2021) has estimated that more than 4,500 new jobs will be created throughout the West Midlands area; and as a result of the extra development, around 950 new jobs will be created annually in following years. This will further increase Birmingham’s status as a leading start-up capital city and regional business setting.
The Alexander Stadium is in the process of a £72 million transformation, along with the development of a brand new aquatic centre, which will be open to the public in 2023. In addition, the following amenities are also expected to be updated, providing an extra boost to the entire area: train station, public spaces, roads and bus routes.
Chief executive of West Midlands Growth Company, Neil Rami, said: “We already know that the West Midlands is a fantastic place to visit, to invest, to trade and to meet. The international profile offered by Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will help us take this message to more people than ever before”. The highly anticipated HS2 high speed rail station is set to decrease travel times to London and improve commute systems for residents.
HS2 phase 1 is expected to eventually reduce journey time from Birmingham to London, estimating at 49 minutes, compared to the previous 2 hours. In central London, a 1-bedroom apartment in zone 1 is nearly 5.5 times more than that of Birmingham, making Transport House a prime spot for young professionals seeking work in London, but wanting an affordable home of their own.
The city of Birmingham will be the very first location that will benefit from the upcoming HS2 line, creating a host of new jobs throughout the area. The rail station is expected to generate £10bn worth of opportunities, as well as supply chain contracts.
Major firms have also started initiating offices in the city in anticipation of this rail project, adding onto the 70,500 global and local companies already present in the area. With the appeal of increased accessibility, job prospects and affordability, the desire for a Birmingham lifestyle is constantly increasing in popularity.
HCT Homes and Bramham Properties say they are, “ensuring homes are energy efficient, with the materials being as responsibly sourced as possible”. The developers have assured they will develop this project with the utmost respect for the local community and surrounding areas, while carrying out meticulous standards and finishings. Transport House is the ideal location for homebuyers looking to take advantage of the wealth of new opportunities expected to arise in West Bromwich and Birmingham in the near future.
