Green light for sheds on former MG Rover works
More than 300,000 sq ft of employment space will be built on the former MG Rover manufacturing site in Longbridge, after plans for 13 industrial and logistics units were approved today.
Industrial and logistics specialist Indurent submitted plans in April for the 18-acre site which once formed part of Birmingham’s re-knowned car manufacturing industry until the eventual collapse of the Rover group and closure of the plant, which was once the largest car factory in Europe, in 2005.
Now, the area is set for a new lease of life, with a £30m investment primed to deliver 339,000 sq ft of industrial space which will be targeted at high-growth industries such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, and distribution.
The development will be built alongside an ongoing 350-home St Modwen residential development on the former factory plot, which is earmarked for an eventual 12,000 homes.
“The remainder of the wider site has also been divided into a series of development parcels, some of which have been developed or are under construction, bringing new businesses to Longbridge along with investment and jobs,” said a planning statement submitted in support of the application.
“This includes the recently constructed Headquarters building for the high-tech manufacturers Waters Corporation and a high-tech research and development facility for Allsee Technologies which is currently under construction.
Birmingham City Council’s urban design officer had expressed concerns about the quality of the outdoor amenity space associated with the buildings in the plans, as well as what they described as “bland” elevations for some of the buildings.
However, recommending the scheme for approval, the council’s planning officer said they were satisfied that the outdoor amenity space associated with the proposed buildings is acceptable in size and function – adding that the designs caused “no harm to the character and appearance of the application site or its setting arising from the colour palette of the buildings proposed.”
“The proposed development would make a positive contribution towards achieving the comprehensive redevelopment of the West Longbridge site and continue to assist in the wider regeneration of the area and positively support economic development objectives and the creation of further employment opportunities,” said the officer’s report.
SGP are the architects for the scheme, with planning consultancy provided by Planning Prospects. The professional team also includes Wakemans, Hopkins Coats Associates, and Rodgers Leask.
The scheme was approved by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee on 20 November.
Plans and documents relating to the proposals can be viewed on the council’s planning portal using reference: 2025/02262/PA
“As we reach 20 years since the closure of the MG Rover plant, the site is beginning a new chapter as a hub for business and innovation,” said Jessica Evans, senior planning manager at Indurent, speaking at the release of the proposals in April.
“We look forward to working closely with the local authority and community to bring these plans to life and ensure they deliver lasting benefits for Longbridge.”
