John Lewis is to be our new Neighbour!

John Lewis, Network Rail and Birmingham City Council today confirmed agreement for a full-line John Lewis department store to be located adjacent to New Street station in Birmingham city centre.

The £100 million development project will see the new John Lewis shop constructed on the south side of a redeveloped New Street station, creating 900 new jobs for the wider economy, including 650 jobs at the department store.

The 250,000 sq ft John Lewis shop, scheduled to open in 2014, will be one of the largest John Lewis department stores outside London.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said: ‘I am delighted that John Lewis will be joining the Birmingham retail family. We have been working to secure their presence in the city for over two years now, and to see the fruits of our negotiation borne out today is phenomenal. Not only will their presence bring 900 new jobs, and create an extra £100m of investment, it will enhance what is already a spectacular new development of New Street station – and enhance our reputation as a city to do business in.’

John Lewis will be an anchor on the south side of the New Street Gateway and open up access to the south of the station, including Concept’s main base on John Bright Street.