The transformation of The Mailbox takes another leap forward after bosses announced its new Urban Room would open in a matter of weeks.

The Urban Room will be the centrepiece of the new Mailbox, with luxurious seating and a glass sky-lit roof. Outside trading hours, it will be used to host events, exhibitions and social activities.

It marks the latest milestone in the Mailbox’s £50 million redevelopment , following the openings of Harvey Nichols , Everyman Cinema , Gas Street Social and Aluna earlier this year.

It comes after Mailbox revealed US brands Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein would be joining its line up of luxury retailers in the Urban Room.

Paul Hanegraaf, creative navigator at development partner, Milligan, said, “Revealing the Urban Room is undoubtedly one of the most exciting phases throughout our entire redevelopment because it has completely transformed the look and feel of the Mailbox.

“It was very clear from our focus groups that our visitors wanted the Mailbox to retain its unique and exclusive status, providing a haven for luxury shopping. The Urban Room forms the centrepiece of the Mailbox’s customer experience, creating a brand new, elegant space.”

The redevelopment of the Mailbox is part of a major autumn for retail in Birmingham, after the opening of Grand Central and the new John Lewis.

Brands returning to the Mailbox include Boss, Armani, LK Bennett, Jaeger and Gieves & Hawkes.

Castle Fine Art will also be opening a new gallery within the retail mall, with in original and hand signed limited edition works.
Samantha Robinson, head of brand and customer engagement at Milligan, said: “The Urban Room sets the scene for our whole approach at the new Mailbox, which will be enhanced in 2016 with the launch of our new technology platform, enabling us to deliver a superior customer experience every time people visit us whether they are shopping, dining, staying or working.

“Birmingham is enjoying a major retail renaissance and the Mailbox’s redevelopment, alongside the recent opening of John Lewis and Grand Central, offers yet another compelling reason to visit the city.”

A series of celebration events are planned to coincide with the unveiling of the Urban Room, including a series of specially curated panel sessions exploring themes around fashion, beauty, food and lifestyle, and artistic installations and performances inspired by the Mailbox’s new creative concept, Life Made Beautiful.

CGI of the interior of the Mailbox redevelopment
CGI of the interior of the Mailbox redevelopment