Solihull businesses encouraged to sign up to West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge

Solihull Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) are encouraging businesses to commit to reducing their environmental impact and sign up to the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge.

Arup, one of the largest employers in the area, have already shown their commitment to the scheme by signing up to the pledge, created by the WMCA in collaboration with Sustainability West Midlands.  The aim is to encourage businesses of all sizes, to make a firm commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and help the region achieve its ambitious target of reaching net zero carbon by 2041.

There are a number of tangible benefits to companies, including reducing environmental impacts, saving costs, as well as positioning themselves as a leader in the net zero carbon economy by preparing the business for future climate change impacts.

Businesses who sign up will receive the official pledge logo to use in their publicity in addition to having access to business networks and guidance that can help turn the pledge commitments into reality.

Arup, a well-renowned multidisciplinary design and engineering firm and a major employer in Solihull, is one of the first businesses in the borough to sign up to the pledge. Recently the leader of Solihull Council discussed the importance of   the pledge with Arup’s Office Leader – view their conversation here: https://youtu.be/7G6eVt6BWB0

Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and Portfolio Lead for Environment, Energy & HS2, said:

“Businesses in all sectors have a crucial role to play in driving the change to minimise carbon emissions and ultimately achieve net zero carbon. Every business is capable of becoming an ambassador in our march to net zero, whether that be through encouraging behaviour change in its workforce or making carbon reductions in the operational side of the business.

“It was fascina’ting to learn more about Arup’s commitment to the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge and their admirable target of becoming net zero across their entire operations by 2030. Their effort includes everything from energy used in offices to goods and services the business purchases.

“On behalf of Solihull Council and the WMCA, I’m urging businesses across Solihull to sign the pledge and show their commitment to tackling the climate crisis we find ourselves in. With COP26 just around the corner, we have the opportunity to show how Solihull is a leading region in combating the immense climate change crisis that faces us. To do that, we need businesses to play their part”.

Mark Jones, Office Leader at Arup, Solihull, said:

“Globally Arup has committed to achieving net zero emissions across its entire operations by 2030. We are playing our part as one of the largest employers in West Midlands and we encourage more local businesses to make similar commitments. We look forward to working with others in our business community in a move towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

“By putting sustainable development at the heart of all our work and signing up to the West Midlands Net Zero Business pledge, we are taking a step along the road to tackle climate change by reducing global warming.”

To find out more about the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge and make your own pledge, visit https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/environment-and-energy/west-midlands-net-zero-business-pledge/.

As the UK gears up to host the COP26 UN Climate Change Summit in November, Solihull Council has unveiled its draft Action Plan for tackling the borough’s CO2 emissions.  

• Solihull’s annual greenhouse gas emissions are currently estimated to be 1.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. That’s roughly equal to driving a diesel car around the equator 200,000 times.

• The Council is now calling on residents, businesses and key stakeholders across the borough to take a look at its ambitious new draft Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) and to help develop a priority list of actions to take forward.

In the UK climate change is set to cause warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers, as well as more extreme weather events. Communities across Solihull are already starting to see the effects of extreme weather, with flooding being a particular issue.

Recognising the scale and urgency of the climate emergency, Solihull Council has set an important ambition of achieving net zero carbon emissions for the borough by 2041. ‘Net zero’ means that the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted is balanced out (or offset) by the carbon that is removed from the atmosphere. Achieving net zero will require decisive action to be taken at all levels.

With the COP 26 Summit climate talks taking place in Glasgow later this year, heads of state, climate experts and campaigners will come together to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change. As well as looking at how to reduce global carbon emissions, the talks will focus on how we can protect communities and natural habitats most at risk from climate change and mobilise the finance necessary to deliver these goals. Crucially it will also seek to finalise the Paris rule book (the detailed rules that make the Paris Agreement operational).

At a local level one of the ways Solihull Council is responding is by developing a Net Zero Action Plan for the borough in order to understand what actions can be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and chart a clear course for achieving Net Zero.

Supported by sustainability consultants Anthesis, a Green Paper was produced in February setting out the evidence base for action and identifying some of the changes that need to occur across the borough. This document was used as a high-level discussion paper to kick-start conversations about how Solihull can achieve its net zero ambition, and local residents and businesses were asked to share their views.

The responses from the public consultation highlighted the importance of education to encourage individuals to monitor and manage energy use in buildings, the importance of public and active travel infrastructure and awareness raising on the environmental impacts of waste. The Solihull Climate Change Commission, which provides independent, cross sector and cross-party advice to the Council, conducted a review of the Green Paper and also provided formal feedback which has been used to inform the emerging Net Zero Action Plan.

Council officers will be gathering further feedback on the draft NZAP over the next five weeks and plan to hold a number of physical and virtual events to discuss the next steps in finalising the Net Zero Action Plan. Residents can view the emerging Action Plan, share their thoughts and find out more by visiting  netzerosolihull.co.uk

Solihull-based logistics provider has expanded its presence in the West Midlands by adding a second facility to its portfolio

Integrated logistics provider OnLogistics has expanded its capacity and secured an additional storage facility in the West Midlands.

The expansion comes after the firm’s growth through being awarded fulfilment contracts within business to consumer and automotive sectors.

The new unit will oversee inbound activity, storage right through to fulfilment and dispatch for partnered businesses and clients across Europe helping to meet projected capacity requirements post Brexit.

Strategically located, the additional facility neighbours OnLogistics’ Aerospace dedicated warehouse within Elmdon Trading Estate in the borough of Solihull where it is adjacent to Birmingham International Railway Station, Birmingham International Airport and very close to the UK’s motorway network.

This latest expansion sees the logistics provider more than double its storage capacity to just over 43,000 sq ft.

Managing director Nick Bennett said: “These are challenging times for all, however we’re incredibly excited to be opening our second warehouse facility in such an ideal location allowing us to continue to add value to global businesses especially supporting our partners in Europe with a UK fulfilment solution.

“It’s a fantastic growth opportunity for the company and will significantly expand our capacity and capabilities.”

Chairman Lord Digby Jones added: “Running a business in a good market is achievable by anybody but it takes special type of people to not only run a business but then to go on and thrive in such a challenging business climate.

“The addition of this facility is a clear and positive sign of the growth of OnLogistics and I want to thank the team for all their dedication and hard work.”

Original article: New Elmdon warehouse for OnLogistics | GBCC (greaterbirminghamchambers.com)

After new illustrative plans were shared recently, consultation on the new design for Solihull Station begins today, lasting for 8 weeks. The transformation of Solihull Station is one of the Council’s most important project and key in helping the town centre fight back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The emerging designs for wholesale redevelopment of Solihull Station are both sustainable and ambitious. With an enlarged internal public concourse, upgraded facilities for passengers and enhanced public realm, the rejuvenated station will serve as an exceptional gateway into the town centre.

The consultation website is now live. Residents, businesses and stakeholders can view the designs and add their comments by clicking here. The project team is also hosting a number of webinars where you can listen to a short presentation about the new designs and then have the chance to ask questions.

Another key part of the consultation is the online survey which can be accessed by clicking here. This round of consultation aims to respond to and build upon previous engagement activity carried out in the summer of 2019.

Subject to scheme development and funding, construction of the new station could start between 2024 and 2026.

Councillor Ken Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure said:

“Since we unveiled the new images of the station design a few days ago, they’ve been met with a lot of positivity and excitement. We are at a really important state of the project where getting feedback from Solihull residents helps us to understand their views and allow us to make sure we design a station they can be proud of.

“The consultation website which the project team have designed is a fantastic and engaging portal which allows viewers to directly comment on website as they click through it. I’m looking forward to hearing what our residents have to say.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands said:

“Solihull Station is one of the key transport interchanges in the West Midlands, and so it’s brilliant to see the planned investment that will help improve it for years to come.

“Across the West Midlands we’re undergoing nothing short of a transport revolution, and one of the projects I’m most excited about is our new Sprint rapid buses. I’m therefore delighted that Solihull Council’s plans have provision for Sprint, as well as a dedicated cycle route and prioritisation for pedestrians.

“As Mayor I’m looking forward to working with Solihull Council, Network Rail, and the other project partners to turn this impressive vision for the Solihull Station into reality.”

Residents can also send in their feedback via post by sending their response to the following address:

Solihull Station Engagement

Intervention Architecture

Unit 12 ArtHaus

80-82 Floodgate Street

Birmingham

B5 5SR

Exciting plans for the wholesale transformation of Kingshurst Village remain on course as the Council commits funds to the project to help deliver the village centre regeneration.

At Solihull’s Cabinet meeting last night, 15 July, additional funding was made from Council reserves, which will allow the full business case to be finalised and the project team to complete any outstanding property acquisitions essential for the redevelopment.

Last December, Cabinet agreed that the Council should take on the direct delivery of this scheme. This allows for a much greater level of control and means the new homes, community and health provision will be able to better reflect local needs.

The Kingshurst plans aim to build on the success of previous schemes at Chelmund’s Cross and Smith’s Wood to transform the area by radically redesigning the village centre. The new centre will offer high standard modern family housing along with a range of local community and health facilities and other local services and amenities.

Already the major milestone of securing Outline Planning Permission has been achieved.

Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said:

“Cabinet’s decision shows we remain committed to Kingshurst and all our village and community centres.

“It is only because of our responsible and prudent financial management over the past decade that we have been able to access this funding from our reserves.

“With the Council taking on the role of developer at Kingshurst, it shows we can be flexible and find different ways to deliver the vision of high-standard modern, energy efficient family housing along with a range of local community, health and local services.

“We have achieved a great deal over the past year to move the plans forward, and we will continue to keep local residents and businesses fully informed about the plans. I wish to thank local people for their patience and support in this programme, which has been complex and very difficult at times, as we all recognise.

“This is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the centre, as we have done at Chelmund’s Cross and Smith’s Wood, and through our investment in schools.  This project makes it clear that we have a vision for inclusive growth and improving life chances across the borough, and these plans contribute to that ambition.”

Likewise Group, the Bromsgrove-based floor covering distributor, is to create 20 jobs initially, with more to come later in the year, after announcing the launch of a new West Midlands distribution centre.

The company has been confirmed as the anchor tenant at Radial Park, a purpose-built warehouse and industrial development at Birmingham Business Park.

Likewise has taken 57,082 sq ft at Unit 4 to accelerate the company’s growth in the Midlands and South West.

Tony Brewer, chief executive officer of Likewise Group, said the new Midlands and South West distribution centre will house up-to-date racking systems and the latest floor covering handling equipment.

“We chose Radial Park not just because of its excellent central location but also for the facilities offered by Birmingham Business Park for our staff.”

Likewise’s logistics network was already significantly improved with the opening of the Morley Distribution Centre in January 2021 to augment regional centres in Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Sudbury and Peckham.

Likewise Group was established in December 2018 by two former Headlam directors Tony Brewer and Andrew Simpson.

Chris Clark is an industrial and logistics associate at JLL, who are acting jointly with Knight Frank on the letting of Radial Park.

He said: “Unit 4 is the biggest unit on Radial Park and we are delighted to welcome Likewise Group as our anchor tenant. We have also signed furniture edging company Hranipex for Unit 2 and are seeing strong interest being shown in Units 1 and 3.

“From a logistics point of view, Birmingham Business Park is in a perfect location, plus it has a great environment for the workforce of tenants, including a café, restaurant, nursery, newsagent, fitness classes and landscaped gardens and nature trails.”

Radial Park was developed by Canmoor and is now owned by IPIF.

Law firm Gateley advised Likewise plc, and Macfarlanes acted for IPIF.

Original article: Likewise has expansion plans covered with new distribution centre | TheBusinessDesk.com

Solihull Council prepares to share bold new illustrative designs for Solihull Station, a key transport interchange linking the borough to the rest of the region and the capital. Following approval at last night’s Environment and Infrastructure decision session, an eight-week public consultation period is set to commence on Monday 19 July.

The wholesale redevelopment of Solihull train station is required to ensure it is able to keep up with forecast growth in passenger numbers. Prior to the pandemic, around 2m passengers were passing through the station every year and this was forecast to increase to 3m by 2036. Although the pandemic has temporarily impacted passenger numbers over the last 18 months, this is expected to recover with overall station use still set to increase drastically.

Set around an enlarged new internal public concourse, the redesigned station will include upgraded facilities that passengers expect to find at a station of Solihull’s size and importance. Planting within the station concourse will create a calming internal garden, acting as a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of the busy station.

Sustainability has been at the heart of the design from an early stage, with numerous features such as onsite energy generation, electric vehicle charging, biodiverse planting and energy efficient systems. With enhanced public realm including a new public square at the front of the station entrance where pedestrians are prioritised, and a one-way loop to the north of the station where public and private vehicles are concentrated, the design encompasses far more than just the station building itself.

After listening to previous feedback, improving access to platforms has been a real focus of the design, with a newly widened underpass and enlarged lifts to platform level forming part of the proposals. For more information, make sure to visit the consultation website when it launches.

Station users and local stakeholders will be invited to have their say in a number of ways on the exciting new illustrative designs. A brand new interactive website dedicated to the project will go live once the consultation launches, providing information about the new station design and featuring a variety of concept images including 360 views. Users will be able to browse the designs and leave their comments directly on the website for the project team to view.

The views and information captured during this process will be instrumental for the project team going forwards when refining the design.

In addition, three virtual webinars will be held which will include a presentation of the station design followed by a Q&A session. Two of these sessions will focus on resident engagement whilst the third will be tailored towards local businesses. The consultation aims to respond and build upon previous engagement activity carried out in the summer of 2019, which gathered views on the existing station and passengers’ experience of it.

Subject to scheme development and funding, construction of the new station could start between 2024 and 2026.

Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and Cabinet Member for the Economy said:

“Developing a world-class point of arrival into the town centre is an integral part of our ambitious Town Centre Masterplan, which aims to deliver more than 4,000 total jobs and welcome 1,900 new residents. The designs are striking and make a powerful first impression, showcasing Solihull as the thriving and vibrant destination it is. The station is at the very heart of the borough and meaningful consultation is absolutely key to make sure we are designing a station that Silhillians can be proud of.

“It’s not lost on us that working habits have changed during the past 18 months because of the COVID pandemic. However, we are confident with the extraordinary vaccine rollout being coordinated by the NHS, we will eventually begin to transition back to a ‘new normal’. Businesses up and down the high street have been hit hard and need to make up for lost footfall during the height of the pandemic. It’s now more important than ever to continue to invest in our town centre and to make it accessible by as many sustainable modes of transport as possible. The ambitions for Solihull Station and our wider vision set out in the Town Centre Masterplan send a clear message that Solihull will bounce back stronger than ever from these difficult times.”

Councillor Ken Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure said:

“I’m delighted that we’re able to reveal and share the emerging design for the innovative redesign of Solihull Station. Our designers have done a brilliant job of thinking about the station holistically. The proposals integrate a variety of onward sustainable travel options and will provide a seamless experience of switching between transport modes. Encouraging active transport is a key part of our Cycling and Walking Strategy and our designs for the station reflect this priority, including a new cycle hub with over 140 spaces and clearer, larger pedestrian crossings.

“Sustainable design is also a consistent theme throughout the whole redevelopment, with the station being designed to meet BREEAM excellent standards. This closely aligns with our goal of reducing borough wide carbon emissions to net zero by 2041. I’d highly encourage everyone who uses the existing station, no matter how frequently, to get involved in the consultation and provide their invaluable feedback to the project team.”

Arden Cross, one of the country’s best-connected strategic locations and home to the HS2 Interchange Station, is seeking an investment and development partner to help bring forward its proposals to create a world leading economic hub at the centre of the UK.

Global commercial real estate services company JLL has been appointed to help promote the £3.2 billion mixed use scheme and bring an experienced, empathetic and creative key investment and development partner on board with strong placemaking credentials to build upon the investment to date and maximise the masterplan aspirations to create an exceptional new UK destination.

Arden Cross extends to 346 acres to the east of the NEC campus and M42 motorway. It will deliver 6 million square feet of ultra-connected, commercial development space, up to 3,000 new homes and a network of sustainable new public realm and green spaces which retain and enhance the local historic landscape features.

The scheme, which is centred around the principles of sustainability and connectivity, has the potential to boost the regional economy of the Midlands by over £1 billion a year and in turn create and support up to 27,000 new jobs. It will also help to fulfil the government’s national levelling up agenda and create an international co-location opportunity that will deliver commercial, academic, business and living uses side by side.

With the HS2 Interchange Station acting as the catalyst to create unprecedented economic growth for the region, Arden Cross Limited has developed the masterplan in partnership with public sector stakeholders including the West Midlands Combined Authority, the Urban Growth Company and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council to reflect a shared vision that unlocks the site’s full potential to deliver jobs, homes and public spaces for the region.

Cllr Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said:

“This opportunity is a unique proposition within the UK, creating a gateway location for Solihull, the West Midlands and the nation and a place where international organisations and businesses can interact and learn together. It will boost next generation R&D opportunities while complementing the strengths of the region’s existing sectors and unbeatable location, opportunity and lifestyle.”

Arden Cross Limited Project Director, Ben Gray, said:

“Arden Cross will create a new economic powerhouse for the UK with significant international appeal. It is a once in a generation opportunity and the appointment of JLL is a significant step towards attracting a partner who will be able to capitalise on the masterplan principles to unlock the transformational Arden Cross vision and deliver a world class destination.”

Nick Brown, Chairman of the Urban Growth Company (UGC), which is leading infrastructure investment and development across the wider UK Central Hub, said: 

“Our vision for The Hub has Arden Cross and the HS2 Interchange Station at its heart, alongside our other world-class assets such as Birmingham Airport, the NEC, Jaguar Land Rover and Birmingham International Station.  This significant milestone for Arden Cross really sends a message to the world that The Hub is going to be one of Europe’s best-connected destinations for business, leisure and living.  This new investment and development partner is going to be working alongside ambitious and committed partners determined to make The Hub a globally-renowned destination contributing unprecedented economic, environmental and social benefits here in the West Midlands and beyond.”

Commenting on the appointment, Alistair Meadows, Head of Investor-Developer clients at JLL, said:

“Arden Cross will appeal to international and domestic developers and investors encouraged by the transformational changes in the Midlands’ regional economy and the significant opportunity presented by this extensive, cohesive and connected mixed use scheme. It represents a key part of the Midlands Engine initiative to ambitiously grow our regional and national economy.”

At the very heart of the UK, Arden Cross sits alongside Birmingham Airport, the NEC, Birmingham Business Park and Jaguar Land Rover, and is an integral part of the Urban Growth Company’s wider plans for UK Central.

Linking the HS2 Interchange Station to the nearby NEC, Airport, Birmingham Business Park and Birmingham International station, Arden Cross will provide direct access to London and the regional centres across the UK.

Original release: https://ardencross.com/one-of-uks-largest-regeneration-schemes-looks-to-secure-investment-and-development-partner/

HS2 has launched the search for a construction contractor to build Interchange Station.  Bidders are asked to put themselves forward for the £370m contract which could support up to 1,000 jobs at the peak of construction, as part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs.

Interchange Station will be one of the best connected stations on the new high speed network in the Midlands, and is set to pave the way for huge growth plans around the site being led by the Urban Growth Company that will support 30,000 jobs, up to 3,000 new homes and 70,000m2 of commercial space. These will form part of the UK Central Hub area plans for 70,000 jobs, 5,000 new homes and 650,000m2 of commercial space, generating £6.2bn GVA per year and bringing 1.3m people to within a 45-minute public transport commute of the station.

The tender shortlist for the contract will be announced later this year and the contract awarded in 2022.

HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said:

“HS2’s Interchange Station will be one of the best-connected places in the UK, bringing together rail, road and air transport links and today’s milestone takes us one step closer to delivering a new, modern, zero-carbon station.

“This investment in the West Midlands will support 1,000 jobs, create new jobs and businesses, and regenerate the region as we build back better.”

HS2’s Stations Director Matthew Botelle said:

“The start of the search for our construction contractor is a significant step in the journey to build HS2’s Interchange Station in the Midlands. We’ve worked closely with our multi-disciplinary design team Arup to design the station to be net zero in operation, which is a key part of our strategy to reduce carbon and build the most sustainable railway in the world.

“The wider regeneration around Interchange Station is an even bigger prize, with thousands of jobs, new homes and commercial development set to transform the economic potential for people and businesses in the region.”

Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council said:

“Today’s announcement is a huge step towards realising the vision we created for the UK Central Hub. HS2 and the Interchange Station will supercharge the economy of Solihull and the wider region, bringing jobs, homes and opportunities and it is vital that we do our utmost to capture its benefits.

“This is a fantastic project for the UK construction industry and we look forward to continuing to work closely with HS2 and its contractors to ensure the Interchange Station supports our ambitions for the UK Central Hub.”

More HS2 news can be found here