Ocean Group signs landmark deal with Network Rail

In its first deal with Network Rail, Ocean Group has been chosen as the provider of the three Media Eyes which will occupy the main entrances to the new Birmingham New Street Station, which opens in September.

Part of the £200 million investment in Birmingham’s infrastructure, the agreement is Ocean Group’s first major contract win since the acquisition of Signature Outdoor last year. The Media Eyes will be sold by Ocean Outdoor and will be fully operational in autumn 2015.

The three full motion digital out of home screens, which each measure 30m x 7m, sit above the main entrances to Birmingham New Street and the John Lewis flagship store, part of the Grand Central shopping centre which also opens this September. The project forms part of one the UK’s biggest city centre redevelopments.

“This multi-million pound investment is a significant addition to the Ocean portfolio in a prestige transport and retail environment,” said Ocean Group CEO Tim Bleakley.

“The Media Eyes will allow advertisers to reach premium rail passengers, business and retail audiences in one of the UK’s fastest growing cities.”

Bleakley added that the deal forms a significant part of Ocean’s overall plan for what is “rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most dynamic and exciting cities, a city that has been identified as a beacon of what out of home and digital out of home looks like at its very best.”

Chris Montgomery, Birmingham New Street project director, said: “We are really pleased to have the Ocean Group on board for this innovative and iconic part of the project. The Media Eyes will have full motion picture media content which will bring even more vibrancy and movement to the station.”