Six enormous skyscrapers being built in Birmingham that will completely change skyline

Towers such as the Octagon and One Eastside, currently under construction, are already making their mark in Brum as they ascend towards the sky.

And they are set to be joined by a wave of new skyscrapers which were given the green light by the city council’s planning committee during the past 12 months.

They include controversial plans for Smallbrook Queensway; a massive development in Digbeth which includes a 37-storey skyscraper and two new towers in Broad Street which were approved despite concerns over the number of affordable homes.

Developers behind such projects are often keen to highlight that they can bring numerous benefits to the city and contribute to the regeneration of the area.

Here’s a look at the skyscrapers approved in 2024 that are set to forever change the skyline in the city centre.

1) Ringway Centre, Smallbrook Queensway

In February, divisive plans to demolish Birmingham’s Ringway Centre to make way for three huge apartment blocks, including one of 48-storeys, were approved.

While opponents of the project described the Brutalist Ringway Centre as one of the city’s most important heritage buildings, developers said the scheme 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”.

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2) Garrison Circus, Digbeth

In the same month, proposals for four new buildings in Digbeth, including a 37-storey high residential tower, were given the green light.

They include two residential towers with a combined 546 apartments and two student blocks with 710 units.

The massive development, set to be named Garrison Circus, will “transform an under-utilised brownfield site to unlock a new gateway into Digbeth while also supporting the wider regeneration of the area,” those behind the project said.

They said it would deliver “much-needed” new homes; support the vibrancy of nearby universities and offer “street-level community uses and green space”.

3) 100 Broad Street

Plans for a 33-storey tower in Broad Street were also approved in February.

The skyscraper, at 100 Broad Street, will create 294 homes and communal amenities such as co-working spaces, a cycle hub and rooftop gardens.

The application was recommended for approval on condition 3.1 per cent affordable rental units were provided – but one councillor said he was “incredibly disappointed” by the offer.

Coun Martin Brooks, former chair of the planning committee, said during a meeting earlier this year: “There are costs to developers that count against affordable housing.

“There is a balance to be achieved.”

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”.

4) 90-97 Broad Street

The following month saw plans for another skyscraper in Broad Street approved.

The tower is set to provide 525 homes across 47 storeys as well as a lobby area, resident’s lounge, gym, well-being space and event space.

The building’s design was praised by councillors but again concerns emerged over the percentage of affordable homes included in the scheme.

Andy Street, former Mayor of the West Midlands, described the figure, which was four per cent of the total apartments, as “shameful”.

A council report said the scheme had been through a “thorough and independent assessment” before the four per cent provision was recommended and it would provide economic, social and environmental benefits to the city.

“We’ve had a financial viability assessment which backs up the facts and that makes it very difficult to argue something differently,” Coun Brooks added at the time.

5) Digbeth

Two new buildings, one of 34 storeys and one of ten storeys, are set to be built in Clyde Street/High Street and provide 481 homes.

Following the project’s approval in April, Richard Cook, group director of development at Clarion Housing Group, said: “We are proud to now be able to progress with such a significant project.

“Our vision for our development in Digbeth is to provide modern homes and create a thriving community where affordability does not compromise quality.”

Check out the latest developments in Brum and the West Mids

6) Cambrian Wharf

Proposals for new student accommodation blocks, lodged by University College Birmingham (UCB), were approved in July.

Developers were seeking permission for the demolition of all existing student accommodation on the site near Parade and the erection of two new buildings.

The two blocks, one of 35 storeys and another of 15 storeys, would provide a total of 1,205 student bed spaces for UCB.

Cambrian Hall, the university’s current halls of residence on the site, provides 247 beds while The Maltings off Bath Row offers 827.

“UCB wishes to combine both student accommodation sites into one purpose-built development,” a council officer’s report said. “If built, operation at the Maltings would cease.

“Therefore, the proposed development would lead to an overall net increase of 131 student bed spaces available for occupation by UCB, all located on one city centre site”.

The Cambrian Wharf development would join an ‘emerging cluster’ of tall buildings defined by the nearby Octagon as well as the Brindley Drive development, which would consist of a 46-storey tower and a 15 storey tower approved last year.