The Greater Birmingham MIPIM delegation has revealed 43 acres at the former Selly Oak Hospital site is set to come to market.

The University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) NHS Foundation Trust and Birmingham City Council has announced the site, in the south west of the city, will provide an opportunity for investors to build 650 houses, adjacent to the areas of Selly Oak and Bournville.

A former hospital, the site was decommissioned following the opening of the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 2010. Outline planning consent has been granted for 650 houses, as well as for retail and employment uses. Demolition of non-heritage buildings at the site is currently underway.

The vision for how this opportunity can be maximised is set out in a masterplan, which highlights the potential to create a new, sustainable neighbourhood. The site integrates fully into Bournville and its prestigious conservation area at its southern end and to the Life Sciences and commercial opportunities of the regenerated Selly Oak to the north.

Character will be forged from the conversion of eight retained historic locally-listed buildings, including the original 1870s workhouse and distinctive water tower; retention of mature trees, extensive open space, a green link to the adjacent Birmingham and Worcester Canal and a series of new distinctive gateways. At the heart of the development will be the retained cricket pitch offering an attractive village green feel and setting.

Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Undoubtedly this is one of the premier housing sites in the Midlands and a soft marketing exercise held before Christmas confirmed that there is unparalleled interest from house builders.

“The rare opportunity of a large Brownfield site deep in the heart of an urban area, yet with a mature green setting next to a canal, is exciting the market.”

In addition to the housing opportunity, a range of complementary retail, office and leisure uses are proposed to create a sustainable and active place for living, working and leisure.

Waheed Nazir, Director of Planning & Regeneration at Birmingham City Council, said:

“There is excitement that this opportunity is going to deliver all that is best in quality house building, design and sustainability, reaffirming Birmingham as being at the forefront of housing choice.”

Morag Jackson, Director of Projects at UHB NHS Foundation Trust, added: “The hospital is very much part of the local community and we are confident that the appropriate disposal of the retained estate will bring great benefits to the immediate and wider economy.

“Proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into patient care to ensure everyone – now and in the future – benefits from this historic site.”