New images have emerged of plans for the – as the ambitious proposals receive a warm welcome.
Computer-generated images of the 30-storey tower planned as part of the opposite reveal a dramatic change to the city’s skyline.
The images, drawn up by Broadway Malyan, show how the tower will stand tall over , St Martin’s Church and the forthcoming .
The Post revealed yesterday that long-awaited proposals for the next phase of the Beorma Quarter in had been submitted to .
The tower proposed by Kuwait-based property group Salhia Investments is set to become the third tallest building in Birmingham after the BT Tower and Radisson Blu hotel if built as proposed.
Commentators at birminghampost.co.uk are often keen to criticise a lack of ambition when it comes to tall developments in the city and reacted with a blend of pleasure and distrust.
A Jones said: “Birmingham needs world class office buildings, Alpha Tower is ancient and only 26 storeys there has to be newer bigger better options to attract business.”
Feddie said: “Tremendous news! Now wait for the conservation fanatics to wring their hands in dismay and attempt to reduce the height to 14 storeys.”
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Joynal Abdin joked: “Won’t happen, overshadows the Christopher Wray building half a mile away.”
Zola Lloyd added: “I sense déjà vu. So won’t get too excited until they finally break ground!”
However, Philip Meers said on the : “Frankly, I don’t think that this goes far enough. The CGI of the 30 storey is great, but the 14 and 10 storey blocks look mean in camparison.
“I would have gone for a 20 storey and 16 storey to make a more dramatic skyline. Of course such ideas are pie in the sky as the council appears to have changed the city’s motto to ‘Backward’.”
Phase two of the Beorma project would see a 30-storey tower containing office and residential accommodation built directly opposite Selfridges – if permission is granted.
Previous plans were for a 27-storey building.
It marks a major return for one of the most recession-dogged schemes in the city.
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The whole quarter has been valued at between £150 and £200 million but has suffered a troubled journey as challenging market conditions and the complex nature of the site mean it has been beset by delays.
Work was due to start in 2009 before coming to the table again in 2010 and also 2012, after the planning permission was renewed, following a land grab dispute the previous year.
The proposals include the refurbishment of the locally listed 135-136 Digbeth and 137 Digbeth, which will be converted into retail space.
It is also proposed to retain the main Digbeth street façade of the locally listed 138-139 Digbeth.
Phase three would see two more towers built, of ten and 14 storeys respectively, which will front onto Well Lane and also contain a mix of retail, residential and office space.
Finally, four separate live/work units would be built between these two towers.
In total, the project covers 508,000 sq ft and would contain 223 apartments.