Skyscraper ‘cluster’ set to transform city centre area

The landmark, 49-storey development will be visible from across Birmingham and a prominent addition to the city's ever-changing skyline once completed in 2025.

However, the Octagon could soon find itself receiving some neighbours and being part of a ‘cluster’ of towers set to transform this particular city centre area, which is a short walk away from attractions such as Symphony Hall and the Utilita Arena.

Just earlier this month, proposals for new student accommodation blocks very close by were given the green light by the city council’s planning committee.

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

The potential impact on nearby heritage sites was a concern for one councillor during the planning meeting last week.

On the Cambrian Wharf plans, Councillor Philip Davis said: “Unfortunately [the council officer’s report] seems, to me, to be saying that because we have other large buildings nearby, which have compromised the setting of Baskerville House and other heritage assets in the area, that it doesn’t matter if we do more damage.

“I’m afraid that’s what I read into this report.”

Rhiannon Hill, a council planning officer, addressed his concerns by saying: “[The Environmental Impact Assessment] is not saying that because there’s already harm, it’s fine.

“What it’s saying is in cumulative impact with other developments, those developments create a greater harm and that this additional development doesn’t add significantly to that harm.

“That harm would already exist as a result of other developments in the setting of Baskerville House, which is the Octagon and the Brindley Drive development.”

Here’s a look at the projects which could form this ‘cluster’ of towers in a key area of Birmingham city centre.

1) The Octagon

One of the most recognisable structures currently under construction in the city centre is one that is described as the world’s first residential octagon tower.

Once finished in 2025, the 49-storey skyscraper will stand at 155 metres and surpass the BT Tower, which has been the city’s tallest structure for decades.

Construction of the building began back in December 2021 and will provide hundreds of homes once complete.

Its website says the look and feel of Octagon reflects the nearby Jewellery Quarter, with its past and present industrial workshops, and adds the tower has already attracted significant attention due to its “world-first design”.

2) Brindley Drive

Close to the Octagon could soon be the Brindley Drive development, which would be spread across two blocks – one 46-storey and one 15-storey.

The two towers behind Birmingham Library would also contain a total of 581 apartments.

Birmingham-based developer Court Collaboration previously said they wanted the development to feel like “a green oasis in the middle of a metropolis”.

“The building will include fantastic private amenity, including a rooftop terrace, co-working space and much more,” they added.

According to the developer’s website, it is due to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026 after it was approved last year.

3) Cambrian Wharf

Plans for new student accommodation blocks, lodged by University College Birmingham (UCB), were approved earlier this month.

The proposals sought 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 1,205 student bed spaces between them for UCB.

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

“UCB wish 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 (secured through a legal agreement).

“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”.

Councillors were largely supportive of the project, with Councillor Gareth Moore describing the current Cambrian Hall as a “bit of an eyesore”.

Report by Local Democracy Reporter Alexander Brock