Public asked to shape future of old Rackhams site
A consultation event will be held at One Temple Row, in Birmingham on Thursday.
**Public invited to help shape the future of the former Rackhams site**
**Consultation event set for One Temple Row on Thursday**
Birmingham residents are being invited to give their views on plans to redevelop an iconic former department store in the city centre.
Developer Sphere Group has opened a public consultation on Rackhams Place, which includes the former Rackhams building.
The plans feature more than 500 new homes, office space, new shops, food and drink venues, as well as improved public areas.
A consultation event will take place at One Temple Row on Thursday, from 15:30 to 19:30 BST, offering residents the opportunity to view the proposals and speak with members of the project team.
The developer is looking for feedback before it submits a formal planning application.
Developers said the scheme could create about 1,300 jobs and generate £350m.
The Rackhams story dates back to 1851
The proposals are part of Birmingham City Council's wider Birmingham Central Heart Vision, which aims to transform under-used commercial, retail and office space in the city centre.
Thomas Taylor, managing director of Sphere Group, said: "We're really excited to show off our plans and discuss them with our passionate Birmingham community."
The developer is also inviting people to share their memories of Rackhams, with stories being gathered for possible use in the new development.
The shop's history goes back to 1851, when William Winter Riddell and Henry Wilkinson opened a drapery store at 78 Bull Street.
The business later expanded to Temple Row in 1863 and became known for high-end goods and eye-catching displays.
For generations of shoppers, Rackhams became one of Birmingham's best-known department stores before becoming part of House of Fraser. It finally closed in June.
Taylor said the company recognised "how much Rackhams has been a part of Birmingham's history".
"We want to hear people's memories of Rackhams, which we'll collate and look to share with the community in the future," he added.
Residents can attend the consultation at One Temple Row or send their views through the Rackhams Place consultation website, which launches on Thursday.