A blueprint has been unveiled that is set to transform Fort Dunlop into one of the region’s most exciting mixed-use developments.

The atrium of the iconic office development has already been completely overhauled in a £400,000 investment since it was acquired by a fund managed by Tristan Capital Partners in partnership with EDG Property in 2014.

Now the building’s owners have unveiled a multi-million pound plan to transform significant areas of the site, that will include a glass conference centre on the building’s roof, a new car-park and deck, a refurbishment of the scheme’s Travelodge hotel with a new dedicated car-park and an upgrade of Fort Dunlop’s retail and F&B offer.  

EDG Property director Neil Edginton, said this was the start of an exciting new era for Fort Dunlop.

He said: “The success of Fort Dunlop since it was redeveloped a decade ago is undoubted but the new investment in the building will take it to a whole new level.

“There are more than 2,500 people who work at Fort Dunlop every day and many more who already visit the building to use the gym and the existing retail every week, but we believe there remains the prospect of driving further growth with the right investment.

“First and foremost we have to ensure the infrastructure is in place to accommodate those already using Fort Dunlop as well as the potential growth in visitors so the addition of several hundred new car parking spaces is a critical component of our plans.

“One of the real success stories at Fort Dunlop has been the hotel and we are working closely with Travelodge who are committed to a major upgrade and we are supporting that with the creation of a new dedicated 45-space car park next to the hotel.

“In retailers like Specialized and PoggenPohl, Fort Dunlop already has a unique offer that attracts visitors from across the region so again we feel that there is an opportunity to improve the general environment so we can attract more retailers of a similar stature and ultimately give people more reason to visit and dwell for longer.

“The largest investment and the element of the blueprint which we believe is a real game-changer for Fort Dunlop is the addition of the glass conference centre on the roof.

“The roof is a great space with fantastic views over the city and we are confident there is a market for a conference space that offers something completely unique for delegates. Combine this with the investment in the hotel, the car-parking, the food and drink offer, the retail and the general environment and we are creating a destination with an incredibly positive future.”

A planning application for the first phase of the works is set to be submitted to Birmingham City Council shortly, with construction (subject to planning approval), set to get underway in 2016.