Tower block expansion plan to be revisited

A computer-generated image of the plan for Colmore Gate in Birmingham City Centre

A project to extend and transform a tower block in Birmingham's business district will be revisited after concerns were raised by Historic England.

The plans would involve the partial demolition of the existing Colmore Gate building and an extension to create a 26-storey tower.

The proposals were discussed by Birmingham City Council's planning committee last December.

The application was deferred so further details about Historic England’s concerns could be obtained.

The organisation previously said increasing the height of the tower from 17 to 26 storeys would impact one of the city's conservation areas, which includes Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

However, the council's independent consultants have said reducing the height of the tower would "render the scheme unviable".

Their report added the design was "acceptable" considering the central business district location.

The council officer's report acknowledged Historic England's objection. But it also highlighted the proposal had benefits including economic and creating an "attractive" pedestrian route connecting Colmore Row and Bull Street to replace the existing arcade.

The application will be reviewed at a planning committee meeting on Thursday.

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

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