First look at Digbeth Garrison Circus skyscraper plans to replace Birmingham locally listed building

Major plans for more than 546 new apartments and 710 student beds on a prominent brownfield site in Digbeth in Birmingham have been unanimously approved  by councillors.  

The development, known as Garrison Circus, is being brought forward by Birmingham-based  residential developer and investor, Sama Investments. The scheme has been designed by  architects, tp bennett. 

Plans for four new buildings in Digbeth, including a 37-storey residential skyscraper, have been approved despite concerns raised by the council’s conservation team. The homes will be situated in the skyscraper and another building.

The huge development will 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.”

The Myona building, also locally-listed, used to house Myona Cleaning Centre, one of the country’s top industrial cleaning suppliers, but is now a shadow of its former self and has remained derelict for years.

As part of the transformation the developers say a dynamic variety of amenities will be delivered, which could include shops, cafes, or a dedicated space to support the local arts industry in order to help create a link to Digbeth’s strengths as a centre for culture and creativity, as well as shops and  other uses. 

New outdoor courtyards and public open spaces are also included in the plans in order to create an attractive area for the whole community, this includes connected green spaces, biodiverse  terrace gardens, pocket parks, and pedestrianised streets. 

What did Birmingham City Council say about approving the plans - despite the objections to building due to conservation issues?

While Birmingham City Council’s conservation team did not object to the plans, they noted the harm the development would cause to both buildings. A council officer’s report however said: “There are heritage benefits associated with the refurbishment and use of the retained Myona building which weight in favour of the proposal”.

The report went on to say the proposed apartments would contribute towards Birmingham’s housing shortfall and regeneration aspirations for the city centre area. Speaking at a planning committee meeting on Thursday, February 1, councillor Lee Marsham said: “I think improving tired parts of Digbeth is a good thing.”

Cllr David Barrie added: “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 today’s 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.”

He continued: “We’ve worked closely with Birmingham City Council and other partners to ensure this exciting project delivers true value for the area. We look forward to continuing our progress with the city and our partners to deliver Garrison Circus – and the wider regeneration of Digbeth – over the coming years, driving local growth,

What have the developers said about the Garrison Circus plans being approved?

Paul Squire, Chief Executive at 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.

“We’ve worked closely with Birmingham City Council and other partners to ensure this exciting  project delivers true value for the area. We look forward to continuing our progress with the  city and our partners to deliver Garrison Circus – and the wider regeneration of Digbeth – over  the coming years, driving local growth, and creating hundreds of jobs in the process.” 

Here's a look at how Garrison Circus will look and the buildings it is replacing: