Cadent plans to redevelop iconic former Birmingham gas works

Utilities firm Cadent is lining up a 290,000 sq ft industrial development on the site of three huge former gas holders in Nechells.

The firm lodged a screening opinion request with Birmingham City Council for the redevelopment of its 16-acre Windsor Street gas works site, which provided gas for the city since the 1840’s until it ceased operations in 2012.

Once a prominent feature of the city’s skyline, the three landmark former gas holders on the site were known as the largest in the world at one time.

But they were demolished in 2021, after changes to the nation’s gas storage network rendered them – and other similar sites – redundant.

Outline proposals for an industrial park are now being prepared by Cadent, who says the future use of the site will remain “flexible” at outline stage to respond to market needs, with the number of commercial units and their uses to be decided with a later reserved matters application.

A two-storey building on the site is currently in use by the firm as an engineering and storage depot, although operations are expected to be wound down by 2027, according to proposals put forward in October.

The former gas works and the neighbouring industrial estate are allocated for employment uses in the city council’s development plan.

“Active existing uses at the site include Cadent heavy engineering workshop and office, open storage uses and a car park,” said the screening opinion request, lodged on Birmingham City Council’s planning portal.

“All remaining buildings and structures would be demolished as part of the development. The site has been partially remediated, although it is assumed likely that further remediation would be required to ensure the site is suitable for the proposed end use.

“The proposals will be flexible in built form, with details reserved for future approval which will allow the development to respond to future occupiers’ requirements. It is anticipated that several employment units could be provided at the site although this would be subject to occupier / market needs.”

Birmingham City Council concluded its screening opinion discussions with Cadent on 20 November.

Supporting documentation can be found on the authority’s planning portal under reference: 2025/05988/PA