Plans drawn up for two city centre skyscrapers

An artist's impression of what the towers could look like

Plans for two skyscrapers for student accommodation in Birmingham city centre have been submitted.

The proposals would see an office building demolished and towers of 41 and 48 storeys built in Lancaster Circus Queensway.

The development was intended to provide accommodation for nearly 2,000 students at the nearby Aston University and Birmingham City University, the application said.

If approval was given in the future by the city council, the developers said they would also build recreational facilities for the area.

Those behind the project said it would be in a very prominent position in the city, straddling the boundary between the Knowledge Quarter, Gun Quarter and the city centre.

They added it could act as a "catalyst" for the redevelopment of the Gun Quarter.

"The proposal's location makes it a gateway to the city and its considerable height will make it a real icon and a feature of Birmingham's emerging skyline," the design and assessment statement said.

The proposals would provide up to 1,968 bed spaces and enable the redevelopment of a vacant office building if it was approved, they added.

An official topping out ceremony for the Octagon will be held next week

Meanwhile, the people behind the Paradise Birmingham development said it would be celebrating the city's tallest building, the 155m (508.5ft) Octagon, with an official topping out ceremony on Thursday.

Paradise describes itself as a £1.2bn development "transforming the centre of Birmingham, attracting new businesses, jobs and visitors to the city".

It would provide office space, 370 new build-to-rent homes, retail and leisure sites, three new public squares and 330 car parking spaces, the developer said.

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