Shock decision announced for The Ringway Centre on Smallbrook Queensway in Birmingham

Birmingham’s landmark Ringway Centre – described as one of the city’s ‘brutalist icons’ – is set to be demolished despite a campaign to save it.

Birmingham City Council’s planning committee this morning, Thursday (February 1), approved plans for the building in Smallbrook Queensway to be bulldozed and for three huge apartment blocks to be built on the site.

The committee initially voted in favour of the proposals last September but they were considered again today after a leading barrister, appointed by the Save Smallbrook campaign group, sent a letter claiming there were grounds for a legal challenge to the decision.

A council report released in advance of this week’s meeting however said the authority was of the view that matters raised within the letter did not amount to a legal error in the decision made. Backers have previously said the plans would ‘open up Southside and Chinatown to the rest of the city centre’ as well as address a housing shortfall in the city.

But those critical of the proposals previously called the site one of Birmingham’s most significant heritage buildings and argued the decision ‘flies in the face’ of the city’s climate pledges.

Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud even recently entered the debate, describing the building as “beautifully built” before adding it should be saved. At today’s meeting, Erdington councillor Gareth Moore said that in his view, the benefits of the development outweighed any harm.

Allens Cross Cllr Jack Deakin said that he had to consider the benefits the scheme provides – including the housing benefits. “We need more homes in our city,” Cllr Lee Marsham added. Meanwhile, Cllr Jane Jones argued: “I don’t particularly love the Ringway building but I do think a retrofit is the future.” She opposed demolition.

The planning committee went on to approve the development and there was a cry of “shame” as frustrated campaigners left the room. A previous 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.

The plans were approved subject to a legal agreement that ensures the equivalent of 20 per cent affordable rental units at a mix of 1- 2- and 3-bedroom apartments. A Birmingham council report adds: “In the event that additional grant funding is not secured to deliver the equivalent of 20 per cent affordable housing, then the equivalent of a minimum 15 per cent affordable housing units shall be provided on site.”

Developers Commercial Estates Group (CEG) have added that the development would enable “significant investment into Birmingham” and deliver much-needed new homes. Its head of residential development previously said: “Our proposals will transform the gateway to Southside – creating safer public places and drastically improving the connectivity with pedestrian links between New Street station, Digbeth and Smithfield. New public spaces will revitalise the area, attracting new visitors and boosting local businesses”.