Three huge developments set to transform Birmingham's landscape - from homes to schools

This month saw a number of major developments given the green light by Birmingham City Council.

They include plans for an enormous 47-storey skyscraper in the nightlife hub of Broad Street, which was praised for its design but criticised for the percentage of affordable homes included within the scheme.

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street even got involved in the debate, saying: “Just 4 per cent affordable is utterly shameful.” A council’s officer report had previously said the scheme had been through a “thorough and independent assessment” before the four per cent provision was recommended.

Elsewhere, Ladywood could soon be getting a new canal-side community while buildings at a school in Four Oaks are set to be demolished. Here’s a look at some of the most important developments approved by the council in March.

Broad Street skyscraper

Plans for an enormous 47-storey skyscraper in Broad Street were approved in March despite concerns being raised over the number of affordable homes. The development is set to boast 525 homes as well as a lobby area, residents lounge, gym, well-being space and event space.

At a recent planning committee meeting, councillors praised the design of the development but one of the concerns raised was the percentage of affordable homes included within the scheme, which was four per cent of the total apartments.

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

The report continued that the development would have a “neutral impact” on a number of conservation areas.

Mark Holbeche, CEO of Regal Property Group Living (RPGL), the developer behind plans, said: “The development when complete will be the safest, most technologically advanced and sustainable residential project in its class.”

Canal-side community

Plans for a new canal-side community close to Birmingham city centre are set to provide ‘numerous benefits’ after being approved this month. The proposals were for 234 apartments, which would be housed within a number of interlinked blocks across three plots, ranging from four to ten storeys in height.

After being approved by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee, the development is set to be built on land north of Icknield Square in Ladywood, close to the Birmingham Main Line Canal.

According to a council officer’s report on the proposals, the development would provide “significant public realm and access benefits” by delivering a new public plaza as well as walking/cycling connection between the mainline canal and Icknield Square.

School redevelopment plans

Plans to demolish buildings at an “old and tired-looking” Birmingham school were also approved in March.

Proposals for a new two-storey school building at Hill West Junior School in Four Oaks, as well as the creation of a multi-use games area and car and cycle parking, were given the go ahead by Birmingham City Council.

A council officer’s report published before the meeting said that the application noted that surveys of the existing school buildings had revealed that they were “in a poor condition requiring significant intervention.”

It continued: “The school has secured funding through the Government’s School Rebuilding Programme to facilitate the construction of a new Primary School and Nursery and reinstate a high-quality education facility on site.”

The demolition of the existing school and construction of the new building and “associated development” would be carried out in different phases. “This is required to continue the operation of the school,” the report continues.

Cllr Rick Payne for Kingstanding described the plans as “fantastic”.

“We’ve got a very old and tired-looking school currently and therefore I think we should welcome this development and put it through,” he continued.