Exciting developments are unfolding in Sutton Coldfield as the popular Japanese ramen chain Wagamama takes significant steps towards opening a new restaurant in the town centre. The company has formally submitted a premises licence application to Birmingham City Council, marking a crucial milestone in a project that has been anticipated for over two years.
Licence Application Signals Progress
Signs have recently appeared in the windows of the former PJ's Express shop at 111 The Parade and 14 Queen Street, confirming that Wagamama Limited has applied for a premises licence. This application represents tangible progress for the long-awaited development, which aims to transform a currently rundown site into a vibrant new dining destination.
The proposed licence would allow the restaurant to sell alcohol from 8am to midnight, seven days a week, with provisions for late-night refreshment until 12.30am. Additionally, the application includes special permissions for New Year's Eve operations, extending from the end of permitted hours on December 31st to the start of permitted hours on January 1st.
Construction Timeline and Development Details
According to chartered surveyors Burley Browne, who are managing the project, contracts have now been exchanged between property owners SEP Properties Limited and Wagamama. Construction work is scheduled to commence in late March or early April of this year, with the restaurant expected to open by the end of 2026 or early 2027.
The development involves demolishing several existing structures, including the long-abandoned former Samiah Indian restaurant and the neighbouring Bistro 72 premises. These will be replaced by a three-storey building that will house the ground-floor Wagamama restaurant with five apartments occupying the two upper floors.
David Hemming, managing director at Burley Browne, described the project as "a long haul" but expressed delight at finally securing the deal. He emphasised the site's importance as "quite a gateway unit in and out of the town" and noted that attracting a national restaurant operator represents "great news for the town."
Architectural Vision and Community Impact
The original design statement prepared by PHD Architects highlighted how the development would improve the Queen Street streetscape by replacing "poor quality, derelict buildings" with a "much larger, high-quality building" that enhances the overall appearance of the area. This transformation is particularly significant given the site's prominent corner location at the junction of The Parade and Queen Street.
The arrival of Wagamama forms part of a broader revitalisation of Sutton Coldfield town centre, joining other announced newcomers including Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza and Poundstretcher. These developments contrast with recent departures such as the closure of Sutton Coldfield Market Village, offering renewed optimism for the area's commercial future.
Licensing Process and Public Participation
The premises licence application is currently listed as "in progress" with Birmingham City Council, and members of the public have until February 25th to submit comments regarding the proposal. The designated premises supervisor is listed as Dean Mohammed, with a start date of February 26th, though the restaurant itself is not expected to open at that time.
This development represents not just the arrival of a popular dining option, but also the regeneration of a key town centre location that has stood vacant for some time. As construction preparations get underway this spring, Sutton Coldfield residents can look forward to watching the transformation of this gateway site into a modern mixed-use development that promises to enhance both the culinary and architectural landscape of their town centre.
