Birmingham NEC 'masterplan' proposes thousands of new homes

People have been urged to view the plans and give their views by 24 December

An urban village featuring 5,000 homes and a primary school could be built on land around the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

The project would "transform" more than 27 hectares of land that is currently surplus or used for parking, the NEC Group said.

Its plans also include a new hotel, cafes, restaurants and offices.

Birmingham City Council, which owns the land, urged people to give their views during a six-week public consultation.

The NEC Group said the proposals for the brownfield site would create about 3,500 jobs and "make a major contribution to meeting housing needs".

Visitors to the NEC site would get new cafes, shops and an outdoor event space

Paul Thandi, chief executive of the NEC group, said it was working in partnership with the council to "unlock the full and exciting potential of the site".

"The NEC campus is home to one of the top exhibition venues and arenas in Europe, and together with existing partners, we have long held ambitions to create a competitive destination to work, rest, live and play," he said.

NEC planners say it will create a "greener and more sustainable environment" on the site

The village to the north of the NEC site could ultimately be home to more than 11,000 people and include a mix of homes and amenities.

Those behind it said it would work "in harmony" with the existing mature woodland and promote active lifestyles.

Meanwhile, a grand plaza, outdoor event space, new hotel and restaurants are planned for the NEC campus itself.

'Golden decade'

Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said the project marked an "exciting moment" for the city and region.

"I believe that we are at the beginning of a golden decade for Birmingham, with the Commonwealth Games taking place next year, and the arrival of HS2," he said.

He added the proposals connected the site with the planned Arden Cross development and the HS2 interchange station and that together they would "transform" the area.

A public consultation is set to end on 24 December.

The plans also feature a boulevard, as well as retail and leisure space