An exciting new development is coming to Selly Oak

For 30 years’ worth of students, the 30-acre site, positioned in the heart of Selly Oak, near the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, has always been derelict.

The unattractive site is a former Battery Park site has had a history of industrial and landfill use.

The Birmingham Post shared this photo of the site last year before work began

But not for much longer.

Land Securities and Sainsburys have teamed up on an “innovative joint venture” which will actually see the current Sainsbury’s demolished and replaced with a flagship store, in-keeping with the other developments to come.

They promise “A vibrant new heart for Selly Oak” and by the plans broadcasted on both their website and on posters outside the developments, it does look pretty swanky.

The first phase of rejuvenation is now underway that will transform the site into a “mixed-use development” of shops, a centre of medical research and canal-link protection. It is set to create a wealth of  benefits which include:

– A cutting-edge Life Sciences Campus, assisting the research led by Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the University of Birmingham.

-The creation of 2,700 jobs.

-A range of shops, bars and restaurants with access to parking.

-A new Sainsburys flagship store with a petrol station that will replace the existing store on Chapel Lane.

-Environmental improvements that include “Major site decontamination and extensive landscaping”

It’s about time Selly Oak got some good news, especially after our bad rep recently rocketing due to almost-daily muggings in the few weeks that followed Christmas.

Our beloved home

Project developers have warned contractors, P.J Carey Ltd, have general working hours of 7am-7pm Monday to Friday. Personnel will be accessing the site from Bristol Road, while the access for trucks and lorries will be positioned just off of the roundabout between Aston Webb Boulevard and Harborne Lane.

The first phase of works was due to be completed in early 2016 and is due for completion by 2017.

It’s fair to say that we’re all looking forward to what comes next.