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Development Sites - Stirchley
Our Stirchley Superstore is at the heart of the
Stirchley community, occupying a prime position on Hazelwell Street
and last year underwent a major facelift. We have a travel
shop operating alongside our superstore and just opposite, on Pershore
Road, we have a Funeral Home.
Our Superstore stands on the site of the former Tascos (Ten Acres
and Stirchley Co-operative Society) store, reinforcing our position
as a trusted community retailer for many decades. Over the years the
store has grown so that it now occupies 50,000 square feet. In addition to carrying a wide range of food, the
store also stocks a significant range of electrical and household goods,
and toys. Dorothy Perkins operates a franchise within the store.
Not surprisingly, in view of how densely populated the Stirchley area
is, other retailers see the Stirchley site as a prime target for development.
In 2002, following a public inquiry after appeal by Asda, which was
ultimately refused. The Inspector stated that there was no requirement
for an additional supermarket of the size proposed by Asda in Stirchley.
About this time, Birmingham City Council revised its planning brief
for the centre of Stirchley, incorporating Pershore Road and Hazelwell
Lane with a view to regenerating Stirchley and creating a ‘Stirchley
town centre’. Midlands Co-op is fully supportive of regeneration
in Stirchley and is wholly committed to contributing to the achievement
of this aim.
Hazelwell Lane site became the subject of two applications for retail
development. Working with a nationally renowned retail park development
company, Helical Retail, Midlands Co-op submitted plans for a major
non-food retail park of 110,000 square feet (to be known as the Hazelwell
Retail Park), together with replacement facilities for the local authority-owned
community centre and bowling club, the Stirchley United Working Men’s
Club and the Tascos Club. Among those who have expressed an interest
in moving to Stirchley under the terms of this scheme are Matalan,
Currys, JJB Sports, Comet, PC World and SCS Furniture. Between them,
these retailers offer fashion, sports equipment, electrical goods and
furniture. The Helical scheme also incorporates new residential accommodation
including some affordable housing provision.
The second application was from Tesco, who seek to build a 70,000 square foot
food retail store, together with the local council - owned community facilities
housing and car parking.
What does this add up to?
It means more choice for the Stirchley community.
An aerial view of the Helical/Midlands Co-op development site.
Latest News
May 2008 update
You may be aware that in October last year, Birmingham City Council indicated that it was minded to select Tesco, rather than Helical/Midlands Co-op, to develop the parcel of land in Stirchley bounded by Pershore Road and Hunts Road.
We are still awaiting formal notification from the Council that this is its decision but understand that the decision will, at some stage, require formal ratification. It is possible that this will take place in late May or June 2008.
Until we have formal notification that confirms the Council’s decision, it is impossible for us to move forward.
This is not the end of the road for Midlands Co-op in Stirchley. We have traded here for over 100 years – we will not be forced out without a fight.
Let’s just remind ourselves of how long this sorry state of affairs has been ongoing:
- March 2002: Helical/Midlands Co-op submit a planning application for a non-food retail development on Hazelwell Lane, Stirchley. (Helical is a development company with whom Midlands Co-op has been working).
- July 2003: Tesco submits a planning application for a major food development on the same site.
- June 2004: Tesco’s S106 agreement (a section that outlines the developer’s community commitments relating to the planning application) is agreed and Tesco is consequently granted outline planning consent.
- 2004-February 2006: No communication from City Council to Helical/Midlands Co-op over issue of S106. Midlands Co-op’s legal advisors forced to intervene to request action.
- March 2006: Formal negotiations commence on our S106.
- July 2006: Formalities on S106 are completed by all parties. S106 agreement expected imminently from Birmingham City Council. This would enable the Helical/Midlands Co-op scheme to be granted outline planning consent.
- August 2006: On the eve of reaching resolution on the S106, Tesco’s property advisors contact Birmingham City Council to register objections to our proposals, claiming that the development should be resisted on the grounds of design, noise impact, traffic impact and retail policy grounds – and because Tesco owns a considerable proportion of the development site. We are further accused of putting in an application as a ‘spoiling tactic’ – an interesting comment given that our application was submitted first! Tesco’s property advisors end by suggesting that Birmingham City Council should refuse to grant planning permission to us.
- October 2006: Tesco’s agents withdraw their objection. Our S106 is signed. Finally we are on a level playing field with Tesco.
- December 2006: Tesco and Helical/Midlands Co-op receive a communication from Birmingham City Council to tender to acquire the land that it owns, to relocate community facilities and to present our respective arguments for regeneration.
- April 2007: Deadline for submission of the tender documentation.
- Summer 07: Tesco’s outline planning permission gained in 2004 expires and Birmingham City Council seeks views on its renewal.
- October 2007: Birmingham City Council confirms that it is its intention, in principle, to select Tesco as the preferred developer.
- January 2008: Midlands Co-op still awaits formal feedback from the City Council as to why its bid was unsuccessful.
- April 2008: Formal feedback received.
Regeneration of Stirchley – the benefits!
Let’s just remind ourselves of the key objectives that were outlined in the Stirchley Framework – and consider how the Helical/Midlands Co-op development meets these objectives, as compared to Tesco’s existing planning consent.
Investment
That private sector investment in the area will create employment
We anticipate that over 493 gross jobs will be created on the development site. It is estimated that the Tesco development would create 264 jobs.
Retailing
That the shopping function of Stirchley centre will be maintained and enhanced
Our proposal offers mainly comparison shopping. Which would encourage trade from outside of the current Stirchley catchment area, would keep shopping local and would provide choice to Stirchley residents. The Tesco scheme is predominantly convenience.
Housing
That new housing development will offer a greater element of quality and choice
Our proposals are to retain 12 existing dwellings and develop 41 new apartments. Tesco proposes to build eight new flats.
Transport
That pedestrian safety, public transport, cycling, car parking, and traffic management are well considered.
Our plan includes a package of highway works including the retention of the existing one-way system. Our scheme incorporates significant additional parking for users of the retail park. Both pedestrians and cyclists are well provided for. The Tesco scheme would provide more vehicle nuisance (an anticipated 8000 vehicle movements a day) and 275 tonnes of carbon emissions more than the Helical scheme.
Environment
That the built environment and the quality of open space will be upgraded.
our scheme incorporates a landmark feature and public square, buffer planning and contributions towards other environment improvements, including the River Rea corridor. Previously Tesco was not proposing a replacement play area and the Tascos Club, in need of repair, was not scheduled for replacement.
Redevelopment
That Hazelwell Lane and the surrounding area will be redeveloped.
See plans above, which demonstrate an imaginative redevelopment of a brownfield site in a highly accessible location. Tesco’s plans also offer a redevelopment of a brownfield site.
Email us your views on: regeneratestirchley@midlandsco-op.com or
contact us by completing the form below:
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