National Express Submits Outline Planning for new Coach Station in Birmingham

The first significant step in delivering the National Express coach station in Birmingham has been achieved today (20 March) with the submission of an outline planning application to Birmingham City Council.

The application, which features an initial design of how the multi-million pound coach station could look, aims to help move the project forward in stages and to prepare the way for a more detailed proposal of the design and external appearance that will be submitted after outline planning permission has been granted.

Delivering a facility worthy of the National Express customers who visit Birmingham from around the UK and its employees is at the heart of the vision for the redevelopment. It will be the newest landmark gateway for the City and will act as a catalyst for future regeneration in Digbeth. Other main points from the proposal include the development of:

A new public space between the City centre and the coach station
A shimmering metallic terminal building located adjacent to Digbeth High Street, with the entrance facing the City, forming the highest point of the building and a gateway that is of city scale and significance
A site layout which will maximise operational efficiency with 16 coach bays, improved parking facilities and integration with other forms of transport including a meet and greet area and a taxi rank

Mike Lambden, Head of Corporate Affairs, National Express said, "This is the first phase in the redevelopment which will evolve during the course of this year. There is a huge amount of energy and drive within the team and we are very much looking forward to continuing to work in partnership with Birmingham City Council and our other partners in delivering this exciting project for our valued customers and the people of Birmingham."

National Express has been working closely with MAKE architects to create the vision for the coach station for Birmingham. John Man, MAKE Architects said, "The design of the coach station will be of the highest quality, with the commitment to deliver a world-class gateway building for the City of Birmingham. The redevelopment will establish a number of significant benefits, which will greatly improve the physical and social environment in and around Digbeth, and provide a modern facility which will enhance people's experience of coach travel".

The planning submission comes after Birmingham's attendance a MIPIM 2006, the world's leading property exhibition.

"In MIPIM we've been profiling our landmark and iconic buildings," notes Birmingham City Council Leader Cllr Mike Whitby. "It's important to remember that, although Birmingham has changed considerably over the last few years, there are still areas of regeneration we must not ignore. We have £15billion-worth of investment coming into the city. We're working with national and international developers and investors so that schemes such as the proposed new coach station at Digbeth can be considered by our planning professionals.

"First impressions count. A new coach station for Digbeth is a first-class opportunity to enhance the burgeoning 21st-century cityscape. The drama of the rapidly changing Eastside vista proclaims the city's commitment to progress and innovation. Our visitors and home-comers deserve the best."

A copy of the outline planning application is now available at Birmingham City Council's offices at Alpha Tower. National Express will unveil detailed plans at a press conference and public open day later on in the year. The event will reveal the design for new and improved facilities for passengers and working environment for staff.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

The application that has been submitted is for outline planning permission. Details of the layout and access arrangements to the site have been submitted and will be determined as part of the planning application. Details of design and external appearance have not been submitted as part of this application, but will be submitted at a later date after outline planning permission has been granted.

For more information, please contact Joy Williams in the National Express PR department on 0121 423 8716 or 07795 267 453.

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