A national vehicle hire chain is looking to expand its foothold in the region by opening a second depot in Birmingham.
Northgate Vehicle Hire is planning to turn a vacant piece of land next to the Big Yellow Self Storage depot, off Dartmouth Middleway, into a 70-vehicle plot with a sales office, jet wash, fuel tank and surfacing of site.
The development would cover an area of approximately 25,830 sq ft which has not been in use for some time.
The project is expected to create eight full-time jobs and will add to the company's already expansive portfolio of nationwide sites including in Small Heath, Coventry, Kidderminster, Cannock and Stoke and a five further depots in the East Midlands.
Planning and architectural practice Tyler-Parkes Partnership has lodged a planning application to the city council on behalf of Northgate.
It said in a statement: "Northgate has embarked on a substantial expansion programme across the country in response to the growing market for light commercial vehicle hire and sales, in turn reflecting a revival in the national economy.
"The site is well positioned for the intended use, being close to major roads and less than three kilometres from junction six of the M6.
"The proposal is not necessarily seen as a permanent solution to the development of the site which is a suitable location for built employment development.
"However, the applicant's objective is to initially establish itself in the Birmingham area and develop a network of sites to support its ongoing high-quality vehicle hire and sales operations.
"The site currently presents an appearance that does little to enhance the area whilst the proposed vehicle hire and sales use....will create activity and significantly improve the entrance to Heneage Street and views from Dartmouth Middleway.
"The proposed development would see a significant level of investment by the company (and) will contribute to the economy through the reuse of this vacant site within an urban area."
