An image of what the Hampton by Hilton hotel on Constitution Hill will look like

MIDLANDS property developer and investor Great Hampton Group (GHG) has entered into a joint venture agreement with asset, development and project management company Merepark to bring forward a new hotel in central Birmingham.

The £10m project will see the development of a 109-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel on Constitution Hill.

The hotel will be Hampton by Hilton's third in the Birmingham region following the Broad Street and Nechells/Star City hotels.

A new company, Birmingham Regeneration LP has emerged from the joint venture. It is headed by Harry Kenth, managing director of GHG, working alongside Merepark's managing director Richard Peel and chairman Robert Ross.

Work has already started on site and the new hotel is expected to be open in May 2013 following a 57-week build programme. The project is a major renovation and conversion of the existing building which was formerly a chemical factory occupied by Cannings and used as clothing manufacturing and warehousing in the 1980s.

The facade of the building will be fully renovated and much of the building's traditional character will remain in line with the local planning authority requirements.

Peel said: “Birmingham has long been at the forefront of regeneration and development, but projects on this scale have certainly slowed in the region, as they have across much of the UK. It's a real vote of confidence for the city that projects like this are starting to progress again. Birmingham Regeneration LP is a partnership with long-term plans and we are delighted that all the hard work in bringing it together has paid off, and will soon deliver a fantastic new hotel for the city region.”

West Bromwich construction firm Anglo Holt has been appointed as the principal contractor.

Birmingham regeneration LP is looking to develop future hotels and is seeking opportunities for conversions and sites to develop.

Constitution Hill Hotel
Birmingham planners have given the go-ahead for the brand new 93 bedroom budget hotel close to the city centre. Developers Great Hampton Estates are now in discussions with a number of major hotel chains to secure an operator for the site before construction starts in the autumn at the Constitution Hill site in Hockley. Managing director Harry Kenth said he was delighted at securing full planning permission and that he was already in discussion with two internationally-renowned hotel chains. "This is the culmination of two years' hard work and it was extremely heartening to be congratulated by Birmingham planners on what they regarded as an excellent scheme for this area," he said. He said he particularly welcomed the cooperation and support of Centro. Great Hampton Estates has signed a Section 106 agreement to build a bridge link at the rear of the proposed hotel to help commuters to access the St Paul's Metro stop from St Paul's Square. "We were keen to bring this site back to life as we are very keen on regeneration and the hotel when constructed will create many new jobs in the Hockley district. "The hotel will have an underground car park and be very accessible both from the city centre and from the nearby national motorway network," he said. Great Hampton Estates is the commercial development arm of the Great Hampton Group. The residential division. Great Hampton Homes, was last month commended for a Willenhall development which was named Best Urban Renewal Project in the inaugural Variety Club Midlands Property Awards. Harry Kenth said: "We are keen on regeneration and there is a lot of satisfaction to be gained in bringing formerly derelict areas of the West Midlands back to life. "The decision to give our hotel the green light is a fantastic boost both for Great Hampton Estates and the Hockley area of Birmingham," he said. Great Hampton Estates' successful planning proposal carefully preserves the locally listed building that fronts Constitution Hill converting it into an attractive reception area with a bar and restaurant at ground floor visible from the street. The upper floors will house the hotel's bedrooms. The existing dilapidated rear buildings are to be demolished to make way for a contemporary four-storey wing building which will house the remainder of the bedrooms. This building will be separated from the listed building by a colourful landscaped courtyard with a large glass staircase and semi circular bay window. Mr Kenth also paid tribute to the consultants who helped him see the project through to successful approval - architects Baker Goodchild in association with quantity surveyors Elias Topping.		Future Project Redditch Leisure Scheme Current Project Merthyr Tydfil Completed Project Merthyr Tydfil

Having been given planning permission unanimously by Walsall MBC at the beginning of June, an eyesore site in Willenhall, between Walsall and Wolverhampton, is about to be transformed into a stylish development of 27 apartments by Birmingham based Great Hampton Homes.

Ground has already been cleared at the site of the former scrap yard, engineering works and warehouses and work will soon begin on building Acorn Mews, a gated development of one, two and three bedroom homes with parking for forty cars.

“With prices starting at just £99,950 we know Acorn Mews will appeal to first time buyers and investors,” says Great Hampton Homes. “But, because of its location just off the Walsall Road, close to Willenhall town centre, good schools and J10 of the M6 we are sure it will also attract interest from people looking to downsize to a more manageable and easily maintained home.”

Great Hampton Homes have considerable experience in sourcing and developing sites throughout the Birmingham and West Midlands area. In a short time they have already established an excellent reputation and have a good team of professionals working with them. They are currently in discussion with planners on developments in and around the Midlands and are always on the lookout for sites throughout the region, in particular the regeneration areas.

Contractors will be on site shortly and the first phase of 9 apartments will be ready for spring 2007.

“We will have a showhome ready for viewing in early January and have already registered a considerable amount of interest,” says Great Hampton Homes.

“We have instructed Connells as selling agents for Acorn Mews. We have built up a good relationship with them and have every confidence in them doing an excellent job for us on this site.”

Because of the anticipated popularity of these apartments Connells have already started taking names of everyone interested in buying at Acorn Mews so that they can be amongst the first to know when the homes are released for sale. To make sure you are on the list call Connells Walsall office on 01922 721000 or contact Great Hampton Homes at their prestigious offices in Brindleyplace on 0121 698 8534 or visit their website www.greathamptonhomes.co.uk