Hammerson submits plans to transform Grand Central into workplace and amenity quarter
Hammerson is seeking to transform a former John Lewis department store at Birmingham’s Grand Central into 200,000 square feet of wellbeing-designed offices.
The company has submitted plans for a space called ‘Drum’ which have been designed by Ken Shuttleworth’s Make Architects.
Hammerson said Drum, which takes its name from the instrumental design of the building, will set a benchmark for a new standard for city centre workplaces and will include a newly created rooftop garden lounge.
The workspace is expected to accommodate up to 2,000 people.
Meanwhile, the ground floor of the space will be repurposed to complement the existing food and hospitality hub in Grand Central by adding a combined hospitality space with restaurant, bar and food market. In addition, the proposals will create a venue for a premium grocery offer, gym, wellbeing amenities, flexible events space, and end of trip facilities for cyclists.
Harry Badham, chief development and asset repositioning officer at Hammerson, said: “This project is the next step in Hammerson’s vision to transform our Birmingham estate, creating a truly multi-use asset that thrives due to its relevance and diversity.
“Inspired by the 15-minute city concept Drum is also an original and highly important evolution of workplaces, built on the principles of connectivity, amenities, and sustainability.
“It will bring to Birmingham a new type of workspace that meets the requirements post-pandemic of established and start-up businesses, creating a new world-class environment at this key national interchange and gateway to the UK’s fastest growing city.”
