University College Birmingham applies to turn empty shopping centre units into catering college

University College Birmingham wants to turn the 304 square metre ground floor units at UG1 and UG1A into a site training young people for a hospitality career.

The units have been vacant since the shopping centre was constructed in 2010 and are close to the end of the Chelmsley Circle road.

The application, submitted last month to Solihull Council, is to change the use from retail to a catering college and for a new shop front.

A design and access planning statement included with the application from agents D2 Planning Limited said the benefits of the proposed use of the site included:

• Decrease levels of unemployment in the area by introducing training and skills to support local business and skill shortages
• Support the local region by developing bespoke programmes of study
• Create opportunities for the unemployed
• Inspire young people to choose careers in hospitality

The applicant said the opening times of the college would be 9am to 5pm Monday to Fridays. It said it would also “ideally like to open occasionally on the weekend”.

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The statement added: “At present the unit has no shop front.

“A new aluminium shop front is proposed as shown on the submitted plans – this is similar to other shop fronts in the centre.”

A consultation is now underway with a closing date for submissions of February 5.

To view the plans and submit a comment search for application PL/2024/02970/PPFL at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.