The four latest developments approved by the council set to transform Birmingham's skyline

The past four weeks or so have seen huge construction projects get under way in Birmingham’s ever-changing city centre.

Long-awaited work on the Birmingham terminus of the HS2 line commenced in January while construction also started on the BBC’s future landmark home ‘The Tea Factory’ in Digbeth.

Amid the ongoing projects set to bring huge change to the city, Brummies also recently got a glimpse of the revised proposals for the enormous Smithfield development, described as a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ to reshape the city centre.

The Smithfield plans are due to be considered by Birmingham City Council in the coming months but several other major developments have been given the green light by the authority in recent weeks – many of which could completely transform parts of Brum.

They are set to join a vast array of projects already rapidly-changing Birmingham’s skyline, including enormous towers such as The Octagon and One Eastside. With so much change already taking place and approaching on the horizon, here’s a look at some of the recently-approved developments set to change Birmingham:

1) Smallbrook Queensway

The Ringway Centre is set to be demolished as it makes way for a huge new development in Smallbrook Queensway. Birmingham City Council’s planning committee approved plans for three huge apartment blocks to be built on the site, despite campaigners calling the Ringway Centre a brutalist icon and one of the city’s most significant heritage buildings.

Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud even recently entered the debate, describing the building as “beautifully built” before adding it should be saved. However, a council officer’s report said the proposed development would make a “meaningful contribution towards Birmingham’s housing shortfall” and help regenerate that part of the city centre.

Developers Commercial Estates Group (CEG) added that the development would enable “significant investment into Birmingham” and deliver much-needed new homes. Following the development being approved, James Shimwell, head of residential development at CEG, said: “We are delighted the planning committee has once again supported our proposal to transform the Smallbrook Queensway Buildings for the benefit of the whole city centre. Work will begin as soon as possible to clear the site and deliver the new homes and public spaces that Birmingham so desperately needs.”

2) The Hundred, Broad Street

Plans for a 33-storey apartment tower in the heart of Birmingham city centre were approved earlier this month. The proposals for the skyscraper, which will boast 294 homes, were discussed by Birmingham City Council’s (BCC) planning committee on February 1 after being submitted by developers.

The development, at 100 Broad Street, would include a mix of units from one-bedroom to three-bedroom and communal amenities such as co-working spaces, a cycle hub, meeting rooms and rooftop gardens.

After being approved by the planning committee, Mark Owen, director at developer Urban Vision, said the project was a “fantastic opportunity to deliver one of Birmingham’s most sustainable buildings”.

He said: “We want to deliver a development that will set the standard for tall buildings in Birmingham but also draw on the city’s heritage. As an underutilised brownfield site, this is an opportunity to support the wider regeneration of the area – driving local growth, creating a new community and creating jobs. It is important we get this right and deliver.”

3) Garrison Circus, Digbeth

Plans for four new buildings in Digbeth, including a 37-storey high residential tower, were approved earlier this month. The proposed buildings include two residential towers with 546 apartments between them and two student blocks with 710 units.

The huge development, set to be named Garrison Circus, would involve the complete demolition of the locally-listed Argyle building as well as the partial demolition of the Myona building, with further works to include the “repair and reinstatement of damaged and lost features of the remainder of the building”.

At a recent planning committee meeting, Cllr David Barrie said: “I applaud the fact that the Myona building is being retained. It is a shame with the Argyle building.”

However, he continued that if such buildings are worth retaining, a use for them has got to be found. “If we can’t find a use for them, we can only have so many museums,” he added.

After the proposals were approved at the planning committee, Paul Squire, chief executive at developer Sama Investments, said: “Garrison Circus will transform an underutilised brownfield site to unlock a new gateway into Digbeth, whilst also supporting the wider regeneration of the area.

“Not only will we deliver much-needed new homes and support the vibrancy of nearby universities, but our plans offer street-level community uses and green space for existing residents in the area to enjoy.”

4) Holliday Street

Plans for more than 100 apartments at the site of a car park in a “degraded” part of Birmingham were approved last month. The proposals for a seven-storey residential building in Holliday Street, just a stone’s throw from one of the main canals, include a rooftop communal space and a total of 106 residential apartments, with a mix of dwelling sizes from one-bedroom to three-bedroom.

A council officer’s report previously said the apartment building would make a “meaningful contribution” towards the housing shortfall in the city. “The scheme provides a much-needed mix and contributes towards the regeneration aspirations for this part of the city centre”, the report added.