Nikal has appointed leading design and build contractors, McAleer & Rushe, to deliver the second stage of its £120million Exchange Square 2 development in Birmingham City Centre; a 15-storey 235-bed Premier Inn, 6,000 sq ft Bar + Block Steakhouse Restaurant, 5,000 sq ft of retail units and a new half-an-acre public square.

The appointment follows Nikal securing a £38million funding agreement with LaSalle Investment Management during lockdown.

McAleer & Rushe are already on site at Exchange Square 2 delivering the first stage of works; a landmark new 37-storey 375-home build-to-rent tower, which has been pre-sold to Grainger plc, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord and leader in the UK private rented sector.

Said Mark Hudson, Head of Construction at Nikal,

“We had no hesitation in awarding McAleer & Rushe the contract for this second stage of works at Exchange Square 2. They commenced delivery of the residential tower in July this year and have quickly proven themselves to be a valued partner whose professionalism and commitment is exemplary. We are delighted with how work is progressing and are pleased to have them on board with us until completion in Autumn 2022.”

Exchange Square 2 is the latest element in the second phase of Nikal’s Masshouse project, a major £350million regeneration plan to redevelop one of the parcels of land created through the removal of Masshouse Circus, the city’s ‘concrete collar’ ring road, in 2002.

Shane McCullagh, Contracts Director at McAleer & Rushe said

“We are delighted to have been awarded the next phase of the Exchange Square development. The Nikal team have shown us incredible support, trust and collaboration that has undeniably resulted in our success thus far on the progress of the build-to-rent tower. We look forward to showcasing our extensive hotel experience, underpinned with our capability in the residential sector to deliver this high-profile development.”

Nikal has assembled a highly accomplished and experienced professional team to work alongside McAleer & Rushe, to deliver Exchange Square 2, including:

  • Stephenson Studio – Architecture
  • Curtins – Structural Engineering
  • Design Fire Consulting – Fire Safety Engineers
  • Artal – Employers Agent
  • Arup – Services Engineer
  • Williams Gallagher – Planning Consultants

For more information, visit nikal.uk.com