Major Birmingham developments approved this year including HS2 revision and Edgbaston expansion

With Birmingham in a constant state of change, a number of these schemes are set to play an important role in the evolution of the city in the coming years.

They include major proposals for the revised design of Birmingham’s new flagship HS2 station, which is set to provide huge economic benefits and drive investment.

There were also plans for a development which is set to include a 49-storey tower in the heart of the city and create a “beautiful and accessible gateway”.

Meanwhile at Edgbaston, plans for a new stand and hotel could forever change the historic cricket ground while also boosting the city’s economy.

Here’s what you need to know about four of the significant developments approved in the first half of 2025.

1) City centre development

Plans for a mixed-use development, consisting of apartments, student accommodation and a hotel, on the site of the former Axis Building were recently given the green light by the city council’s planning committee.

The scheme is set to provide five buildings in total, including a 49-storey residential tower, as well as a public square.

A council officer’s report said the development would create a “distinctive place”; deliver a contribution towards affordable housing and provide economic, social and environmental benefits.

“This re-imagined site will become a beautiful and accessible gateway within Birmingham city centre, creating a new destination that connects people, ideas, and communities,” those behind the plans said.

2) HS2 revised design

Plans for the revised design of Birmingham’s new flagship high speed railway station were approved in May.

The proposals for Curzon Street Station, the city centre terminus of the divisive HS2 line, will help to “future proof” the station, according to those behind the plans.

They include a change in material from timber to aluminium within the station roof due to recently tightened fire standards while the eastern concourse has also been replanned.

A council officer’s report said the revised design of the proposed station building “would still be a world class 21st century landmark building”.

It went on to say that the station would display “high quality architecture”as well as contribute to “maximising the regeneration and development potential” of HS2 in the city centre.

3) Edgbaston Stadium

Proposals for a new hotel and stand at one of Birmingham’s most iconic sporting locations were approved earlier this year.

The plans will see the current Priory and Raglan Stands at Edgbaston Stadium replaced with a new 3,191-seat facility and a 146-bed hotel.

The hotel is set to boast views over the outfield as well as a coffee shop and restaurant/bar, which would be open to the public on non-matchdays.

The proposals were previously described as part of a larger redevelopment of the stadium, which aimed to create a destination combining “elite sport, conferencing and events” with community use.

Not everyone was impressed by the design however, with Councillor Martin Brooks describing it as “not particularly good”.

Planning chair Councillor Lee Marsham responded: “As with all things with design, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

4) Student blocks

Plans for new canalside student blocks were given the green light in February after developers tweaked the scheme.

The project will see two towers, one eight-storey and another 21-storey, built in Cliveland Street in the Gun Quarter, providing 279 bedspaces.

A council officer’s report said the scheme was able to demonstrate a need for the development and it would be “very well located” to several city centre campuses.

A decision on the plans was deferred in January however after a key concern was raised – particularly whether there should be a ground floor commercial unit, such as a shop.

“If you had a retail space, there would be light and more safety potentially if you’re walking down and you can see other people,” Councillor David Barker said at the time.

But a council officer said such commercial units in similar sites had not been let and purpose-built student accommodation was “quite limited” when it came to what could be put on the ground floor.

An update, published ahead of February’s planning meeting, said the developer had made “some adjustments” to the ground floor and mezzanine layouts.

They include an expanded communal lounge and a student coffee bar intended to create ‘greater animation, light, and activity at ground level’.

The proposals were ultimately approved, subject to conditions.