Regeneration specialist, St. Modwen has submitted plans for a £20m leisure scheme featuring restaurants, a cinema and a fitness centre as part of the redevelopment of Longbridge, south-west Birmingham.
The 65,000 sq ft scheme is the third phase of the town centre transformation of the former MG Rover site in south-west Birmingham, and complements the 450,000 sq ft town centre provision of shops, offices and public spaces.
A planning application has been submitted to Birmingham City Council and, subject to approval, work could start in November 2017.
The proposals include a nine-screen cinema, to be operated by The Light, and a 14,500 sq ft fitness centre will be occupied by The Gym Group. The gym will feature an extensive glazed area overlooking the new three-acre Austin Park, the green hub of community life in Longbridge. The plans also feature six restaurants, totalling 19,000 sq ft.
Cinema-goers, gym users and diners will be able to use the centre's 500-space surface car park and the 1,200-space multi-storey car park. The leisure scheme could open in early 2019.
The £100 million Longbridge town centre redevelopment by St. Modwen already comprises the Midlands' largest Marks & Spencer store, together with a host of other national retailers and brands including Sainsbury's, Premier Inn and Boots.
Chris Newsome, Development Director at St. Modwen, said, 'This latest phase of development represents a significant part of the ongoing regeneration of Longbridge and underlines our ongoing commitment to this vibrant area of regional economic importance.
'This latest phase of the regeneration masterplan will deliver superb leisure facilities to local people and visitors, in addition to environmental enhancements and job opportunities.
'The commitment of The Light and The Gym Group to the latest scheme underlines commercial and public confidence in the long-term future of Longbridge.'
Mike Hill, Acquisitions Manager at The Gym Group, said, 'The redeveloped town centre is a perfect location for us. We believe our low-cost, value for money gym, staffed by qualified instructors and personal trainers, will appeal to local people of all levels of fitness and will help to promote healthy living in the Longbridge community.'
Keith Pullinger, CEO at Light Cinemas, said: 'We have worked successfully with regeneration schemes in the past and were hugely impressed with St. Modwen's vision for Longbridge. We believe our offer of a premium mainstream cinema experience is a great fit for the town centre.'