Tesco Express Confirmed for Major Birmingham Jewellery Quarter Regeneration
A significant retail addition is coming to one of Birmingham's most distinctive neighbourhoods, with Tesco Express set to open a new store within a landmark mixed-use development in the Jewellery Quarter. This will become the supermarket giant's third convenience outlet in the historic area, forming a key component of the extensive transformation of a former brownfield car park site.
Location and Development Details
The new store will occupy the ground floor of a six-storey building on Lionel Street, which is currently nearing completion. The development occupies a prominent plot bordered by Great Charles Street, Ludgate Hill, Lionel Street, and Livery Street, situated conveniently close to Snow Hill station. According to submitted planning documents, this new Tesco Express will be notably larger than the company's two existing outlets in the Jewellery Quarter, indicating a substantial investment in the locale.
The broader regeneration project will see the former Ludgate Hill car park redeveloped into a vibrant new neighbourhood. The plans include the construction of 722 new flats, with one residential tower reaching an impressive 39 storeys. The apartment mix comprises 372 one-bedroom, 315 two-bedroom, and 35 three-bedroom units, creating a substantial new residential community.
Historical Context and Future Amenities
The site holds a unique piece of cinematic history, having been used by acclaimed director Steven Spielberg during the 2016 filming of Ready Player One. The car park served as a base for "giant white trucks" carrying equipment and props for the blockbuster, which featured a vehicle chase scene on neighbouring Livery Street.
Today, the area is undergoing another dramatic transformation. The new development promises to deliver extensive amenities for future residents, including:
- Multiple roof terraces and a resident sky lounge
- A fully-equipped gym and a dedicated fitness studio offering classes
- A 24-hour concierge service
- Flexible co-working office space
- The new Tesco Express store for everyday convenience
Community Impact and Supermarket Strategy
The new store's strategic position on Lionel Street will place it ideally to serve the hundreds of new residents moving into the Great Charles Street development. While Tesco has formally applied for permission to install signage, indicating advanced planning stages, the company remains guarded on specific operational details.
A Tesco spokeswoman stated: "We’re always looking for the best ways to serve local communities and we’re exploring opportunities to open a new Tesco Express in Birmingham later this year. We will keep the local community updated as our plans progress."
This announcement raises questions about the future of Tesco's existing Jewellery Quarter stores, particularly a smaller Express branch located a very short distance away on Newhall Street. The company has not disclosed whether the new Lionel Street outlet will supplement or potentially replace existing operations, nor has it confirmed an exact opening date or detailed product offerings for the new store.
This development signifies a major step in the ongoing evolution of the Jewellery Quarter, blending new residential capacity with essential retail services and premium amenities, all while writing a new chapter for a site with a notable past.
