More than two years after a 484K SF speculative first phase at the 160-acre Peddimore industrial site was proposed, detailed plans are being drawn up for a scheme that could near 3M SF.

The Peddimore site at Midworth is one of the West Midlands’ key growth locations and a focus for industrial and logistics development around Birmingham.

IM Properties, which was chosen as Birmingham City Council’s development partner for the scheme in 2018, has now begun consultation on plans for two new buildings. A formal planning application will follow later this spring.

The move comes after a long pause: IM Properties said in July 2018 it was preparing a 484K SF speculative first phase, with work on-site to begin as early as September 2019.

The scheme could see 2.8M SF of new floorspace at Minworth in a Birmingham industrial market starved of new development.

IM Properties said it is in advanced negotiations with a first prospective occupier. It is working with that group to design and deliver a high-quality building that meets its specific requirements.

A second building to be located at the gateway into the site from the A38 could accommodate either manufacturing or logistics businesses.

Planning permission for Peddimore was granted in September 2019. The developer is carrying out technical work, including an environmental impact study, a statement said.

The purpose of the latest applications is to agree the detailed layout and design of the two buildings, including access points, parking plans, landscaping and drainage.

“Since planning permission was granted in September 2019, our focus has been on securing the necessary approvals to allow early infrastructure to be delivered across the site. We have refined and enhanced the site-wide landscaping strategy, improved the detailed design and layout of the gatehouse, and discharged planning conditions relating to archaeology and ecology," IM Properties planning director David Smith said.

"480K SF is a minimum speculative floorspace that we committed to delivering in the absence of any early occupier interest.  We are in dialogue with a prospective occupier and working with them to design and deliver a high-quality building that meets its specific requirements.  A second building located at the gateway into the site could also accommodate B1b / B1c / B2 / B8 uses."

The site is close to junction 9 of the M42 motorway, either side of the A38 Sutton Coldfield bypass.

UPDATED 18 February, 10 a.m. GMT to include IM Properties' statement.