A Taste of the East for the HP Site

In 2007 the new owners of HP moved production from its Birmingham site to Holland in cost cutting measures that left the iconic HP factory dormant and derelict for three years, along with the loss of 125 jobs. Now though East End food company, who have been producing authentic Eastern cuisine for over 30 years in the Birmingham area, have bought the site and revealed a £25 million plan that will rejuvenate the area and put Birmingham back on the food map.

The ambitious plans for the site include a 15 storey building that will host a cash and carry warehouse, a 150 bed hotel with conference facilities and a new based of operations for the Indian food company. The company even hope to create kitchen space in which people can come and learn the art of cooking authentic Eastern cuisine.

Committee member Keith Linnecor had this to say “This is an excellent development. A great looking building and will lead to the creation of so many jobs in the area…far more than there were on the site previously.”

Since the closing of the factory the area has suffered a great deal. But these plans will undoubtedly bring the site back to its former glory and will provide twice the number of jobs previously employed at the site. The firm have stated that it would very much like to hear from HP staff that have been unable to find work and promises “quite a mixture of employment.”

With construction set to end within the next 18 months, East End food has proven its commitment and confidence in the Birmingham area and hopes that this rejuvenation project will inspire other such projects in the area.