Work has begun on one of Birmingham's biggest public squares - part of the £100 million Edgbaston Mill retail and leisure project.
Situated opposite Edgbaston Cricket Ground, the 20,000 sq ft square, being built by Fitzgerald Contractors, will front on to Edgbaston Road.
The 450,000 sq ft Edgbaston Mill is being driven by Calthorpe Estates and Cordwell Leisure Developments. Plans for the scheme include 39,400 sq ft of retail and restaurants, 31,000 sq ft of leisure space, a 4,000 sq ft foodstore, 64,500 sq ft of Grade A offices and a 190 bedroom hotel.
A total of 344 luxury apartments are currently also being undertaken by Redrow Homes. The first phase is nearing completion.
Calthorpe Estates' director of development, Malcolm Tyre, said: "The public square will form a striking frontage to Edgbaston Mill. It will provide the people of Birmingham with a large area of coveted public space, which is a rarity in modern developments.
"In addition we will also be creating a boulevard which will enhance access to the scheme, linking the Edgbaston Cricket Ground with the magnificent landscape of Cannon Hill Park."
Work will start on the commercial elements of the development later this year.
