Eye-catching and ground-breaking 29-storey Gas Street Basin tower splits opinion - from cool to absolute tripe

But the building’s design has proved divisive among Brummies on social media, sparking a range of opinions from “cool” to “absolute tripe”.

Those behind the plans said the proposed canalside skyscraper would be an “energy-positive” building, meaning it would generate more power than it consumes.

Birmingham-based GNM Developments continued that the “groundbreaking” tower, named The Narrowhouse, could therefore pave the way for the next generation of sustainable living if approved.

But the design of the building, and its proposed location in Gas Street Basin, has been met with a mixed reaction online.

“The podium is actually quite nicely done,” Darren John wrote on Facebook.“But the horrible 1990’s tower on top is one of the most obnoxiously ugly things I’ve ever seen proposed for a historic area of the city.”

Ruiari Seamus O’Briain added the tower was “totally unfitting” for its canalside location.

Richard Plant echoed similar concerns, arguing that the proposed building was too big and “totally out of place”.

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“The proposal is possibly the most hostile and obnoxious slab I’ve ever seen proposed in town,” @jordanbhx said over on X, formerly Twitter.

“I love tall buildings but I just don’t think that’s the right setting for them,” Lee Matthews added on X.

Meanwhile Cris Anscombe said: “Doesn’t really fit in with a towpath aesthetic – but I think that canal boat sailed when the cube was built.”

Others appeared to be fans of the design however, with Shaun Francois writing on Facebook: “I quite like it.

“Walking on that part of canal is a mess at moment and this could bring some life back into it.”

“I think it looks cool,” Stratos Ttofis added.

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One X user also argued the proposed tower would fit the aesthetic of some of the newer buildings in the area.

A design document included within the planning application acknowledges that Gas Street Basin is the “crown jewel of the Canal and River Trust estate”.

“Despite its prime location, the site has been underutilised for years, contributing little to the city’s vibrancy and representing a missed opportunity to draw people to this area,” it continued however.

“The Narrowhouse will change this by delivering 249 new studios, revitalising the area with energy and activity.

“The Toll House will be retained and restored bringing it back into use, preserving historical character while modernising the area for contemporary needs.”

GNM Developments previously said the scheme was first submitted in June 2024 as ‘Gather & Soul’ but has been renamed to reflect the heritage of the building’s location.

It added it has worked alongside officers at Birmingham City Council and amended proposals have been submitted in response to comments and feedback received.

Managing director Gerald Manton also recently described The Narrowhouse as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to position Birmingham as a global leader in sustainable development”.

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“With the UK working towards net-zero targets and demand for affordable housing increasing Birmingham is perfectly positioned to lead this transformation,” he said.

“We’re calling on the public to show their support and make this bold vision a reality.”

At 29 storeys, the tower would be covered in 4,070m² of advanced solar panels, transforming sunlight into electricity to power the building and feed excess energy into a local clean-energy microgrid.

Developers said their vision would place Brum at the forefront of green innovation while also creating 249 co-living apartments.

They continued that residents would benefit from private apartments with shared social spaces as well as a cinema, rooftop terrace, podcast/media rooms, co-working hubs and fitness facilities.

“The Narrowhouse represents a step forward in modern urban housing,” the developers said.

You can read more about the project on its website here.