Birmingham NEC 'masterplan' desgined by Glenn Howells Architects to create thousands of new homes

Glenn Howells Architects vision for the NEC is to create a unique environment for living, working and leisure which will enhance the vibrancy and attractiveness of the site. A new Urban Village will create a sustainable community of over 11,000 people living within a unique landscape of mature trees, hedgerows, ponds and alongside the Bickenhill Plantation. 

The project led by NCL Development, BCC and GHA, meets the needs of the region’s growing population, the arrival of HS2 and new enterprising businesses.

GHA Partner, Dav Bansal, said: “Our approach to the NEC Masterplan in the UK Central Solihull Hub Area is an ambitious vision for what will be a new urban village within an established blue and green infrastructure on the edge of the Forest of Arden.

“The existing infrastructure that serves the NEC complex and the excellent transport links, including Birmingham Airport, Birmingham International train station and the new HS2 interchange, provides the ideal opportunity for the regeneration of this brownfield site to help meet the housing needs of the region.

“We believe the matured landscaping, lakeside setting, and nearby woodlands will help to create a healthy and active environment for residents and visitors alike.

“The Masterplan will provide amenities, a range of communal uses and a primary school to meet community needs and build on the principles of the 15-minute neighbourhood.

“What’s also exciting is the range of typologies on offer that will deliver homes to a wider demographic of society from young families to professionals and those in later life. The new homes will seek to deliver low carbon housing with low energy environmental design whilst exploring modern methods of construction.”