Flagship retailer John Lewis is set to open a new store adjacent to one of the country's biggest and busiest railway stations, creating 650 jobs.
An agreement has been reached between the company, Network Rail and Birmingham City Council for the department store to be built next to New Street station in Birmingham, the Press Association reports. New Street station itself is already the subject of a £400m rebuilding project.
The 250,000sq ft store will open in 2014 and is set to be one of the largest John Lewis department stores outside London. Hundreds of additional jobs will also be created under a £100million scheme which includes the upgrade of the nearby Pallasades Shopping Centre.
Andy Street, John Lewis managing director, said: "Together with a progressive city council and Network Rail, we are pleased to play our part in the regeneration of Birmingham city centre. We will deliver a landmark, long-term investment and quality job creation."
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 is phenomenal.
David Higgins, chief executive of Network Rail, said: "Network Rail is helping to rebuild Birmingham by transforming New Street. The project is about much more than simply redeveloping the station. This deal is a further sign that our plans are critical to the long term success of the city and will create new jobs and help stimulate economic growth."
