'Landmark' skyscraper planned for city centre

The new skyscraper, if approved, would be on land at Bristol Street, Bromsgrove Street and Essex Street

Proposals for a "bold" new skyscraper in the centre of Birmingham have been recommended for approval.

Plans were previously lodged for three buildings, including a 41-storey tower, on land at Bristol Street, Bromsgrove Street and Essex Street.

According to the proposals, existing buildings on the site would be demolished if the scheme gets the green light at a planning meeting next week.

The proposed development would provide 550 build-to-rent homes in total, with 31 affordable homes.

The development's design was praised in a council officer’s report, with Birmingham City Council Leisure Services describing the architectural style as "refreshingly bold and unique".

It would "certainly form a landmark building within the city’s skyline," they added.

The report said the city design manager was also positive, saying: "This is the kind of architecture the city should be exploring in all its major projects."

It added that the benefits of providing new homes and affordable accommodation would outweigh any potential harm to designated heritage assets in the area -including The Rotunda and St Martin's Church - and the Grade II listed Wellington Hotel.

Some non-designated heritage buildings in Bristol Street would be completely or partly lost if the development is approved, the council added.

In recommending approval, officers said these were of a low enough value that this also did not outweigh the benefits of the scheme.

Their reports suggested the scheme would deliver "a high-quality residential-led development, in a sustainable location on brownfield land" and would make a "meaningful contribution" to housing provision in the city centre.

The proposals will be considered by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee on 5 September.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.