The NEC Group today launched the new NEC Masterplan for the NEC Campus, the site currently home to the UK's largest exhibition venue, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the Vox Conference Venue, Resorts World Arena, Resorts World Birmingham, The Bear Grylls Adventure and a number of hotels
The redevelopment plan will transform over 27 hectares of surface level car parking and surplus land, to create new residential, office, leisure and community spaces. Overall, the plans are set to create:
- 14,000m2 of new outdoor event space
- 35,000m2 of new commercial space
- A new hotel
- New restaurants and cafes
- An estimated 3,500 new local jobs
- 5,000 new homes
- A new primary school
- A greener and more sustainable environment on the NEC Campus
A greater local community will evolve with the development of a new urban village of 5,000 homes, located in the north of the site. This will establish an inclusive, diverse and prosperous community for over 11,000 people.
Located at the heart of the UK's transport network, with access to road, rail and air travel, the area has exceptional local, national and international connectivity. The NEC Masterplan will enhance this further by connecting the development to the High Speed 2 Interchange Station, the first HS2 stop outside London. Alighting from a 38-minute journey from England's capital, passengers will be able to travel to the NEC Campus via a short, four-minute shuttle via an automated people mover over Pendigo Lake.
The new NEC Masterplan will transform over 27 hectares of surface level car parking and surplus land, to create new residential, office, leisure and community spaces. Imagery, courtesy: The NEC Group
Redevelopment plan
A new grand plaza and urban boulevard will be introduced, to further promote a lively and attractive environment within the NEC Campus for conferencing and exhibitions.
The grand plaza will redefine the area surrounding the NEC's Atrium halls, enhancing the NEC visitor and organiser experience with 14,000m2 of new outdoor event space, ready to host a wide range of events. Cafes, restaurants and a new hotel will service the new plaza, to create a hub of activity for visitors. An enhanced drop off and welcome zone will also provide a more streamlined visitor experience.
Connecting the site with Arden Cross and the HS2 Interchange Station, the urban boulevard will extend an inspirational pedestrian focused public realm from the NEC Piazza to a new bridge link over the M42. The urban boulevard will host a series of commercial buildings with ground floor retail and leisure space.
Maintaining operational access and car parking for events at the NEC will be an essential part of the overall development plan for the site. Residential access will be separated from logistics and visitor traffic and ample parking provisions will be maintained to ensure the venue can continue to service the busiest of events. In addition to the retention of many areas of surface level parking, future multi-storey car parks will enhance accessibility for visitors.
Sustainable development
Central to the Masterplan are sustainable development principles promoting positive social, economic and environmental outcomes from future development. Site specific sustainability interventions will support climate change and clean air initiatives.
The NEC is owned by The Blackstone Group, one of the world's leading investment firms.
Lionel Assant, European Head of Private Equity at Blackstone, said: "This is brilliant news for the West Midlands. We are proud of our partnership with the NEC Group, and today's announcement shows the positive impact this business has for local job creation and urban regeneration."
NEC Group CEO, Paul Thandi, said: "The NEC Campus is home to one of the top exhibition venues and arenas in Europe, and together with existing partners, we have long held ambitions to create a competitive destination to work, rest, live and play. These partners have seen the potential of the site and now will help us drive further investment and prosperity to the region. Now is the time to be bold and ambitious about the future and harness the power of the real estate we have to offer, whilst simultaneously maximising the benefits of having a young, diverse and entrepreneurial population."
"The NEC Campus sits within a major engine of economic growth in the UK, recognised as one of the best-connected development zones in Europe. This Masterplan unites corporate ambition with global purpose, setting out our vision whilst considering eco and socially responsible practices. The NEC Group is committed to working in partnership with our landowners Birmingham City Council, to unlock the full and exciting potential of the site."
You can read the full article from Sports Venue Business HERE
