Waheed Nazir, Birmingham City Council's Corporate Director for the Economy, is to become chairman of the newly formed Arden Cross Ltd. development partnership.

A strong clear leadership structure and delivery vehicle will calm concerns that the site may miss the opportunity to make progress in this economic cycle.

Nazir, who has led development in Birmingham with the Big City Plan, will lead progress on the 350-acre site next to the HS2 Interchange station and Birmingham Airport.

The formation of the new development vehicle, revealed last week by Bisnow, opens the way for progress on the site bounded by the M42, A45 and A452, ready for the arrival of HS2 in 2026.

The Interchange Station will be the centrepiece for the future development at Arden Cross as a result of the agreement between key landowners Packington Estate, Birmingham City Council and the Digby Estate. They will work with  Solihull Council and Urban Growth Co.

"Unlocking this transformational development opportunity will require a truly collaborative approach between the public and private sector," said Nazir.

Ben Gray will continue in his role as project director.