BAM Construction begins work on second Paradise building

The 183,000 sq ft contemporary office building joins One Chamberlain Square in fronting the improved public area that will complete the first phase of the Paradise development. Between them, the speculative buildings offer more than 350,000 sq ft of office and retail space and form the city’s most prestigious commercial address and are due to be completed in late 2019.

BAM, which was appointed back in 2017, will oversee a team of over 200 construction workers, which will deliver the building and erect two new tower cranes that will arrive on site in April to aid construction. The two basement levels have already been created as part of the site enabling works to Paradise and therefore the building frame will soon be evident on the Birmingham skyline.

Rob Groves, regional director of Argent, development managers for Paradise, said: “The start of work on Two Chamberlain Square, our second speculative office building, underlines the momentum gathering around Paradise and marks yet another milestone for the city’s most vibrant, mixed use development.

"Two Chamberlain Square will be an exceptional building, leading the way in modern workplace design and performance. As it takes its place on the city’s ever changing skyline over the next year, it will deliver a prestigious commercial address at the civic heart of Birmingham.”

The first building at Paradise, One Chamberlain Square, topped out in December . It has been fully pre-let to international professional services firm PwC which will relocate its existing 1,400 strong Birmingham team and up to a potential further 1,000 people to accommodate its regional growth.

Work on the partly completed building was halted last month after builder Carillion collapsed. Carillion was also working on part of the infrastructure work around the Paradise redevelopment but the demolition and site clearance has continued through the existing supply chain.

Argent is still seeking a new builder to take over Carillion's work on One Chamberlain Square.

Meanwhile Chris Taylor, head of private markets at Hermes Investment Management, said: “Paradise continues to transform the centre of Birmingham with striking new buildings and enhanced public realm. BAM’s start on delivering Two Chamberlain Square is a clear indication of our confidence in the region and our commitment to delivering this remarkable new development.”

Argent has previously worked with BAM on several projects both in Birmingham and across the UK. BAM built seven of the eleven buildings at Brindleyplace, as well as buildings at King’s Cross in London.

Rod Stiles, regional director for BAM Construction in the Midlands, said: “BAM is already working closely with the Paradise team to deliver this prestigious, landmark building. We’re bringing ultra-modern construction techniques to this complex site in the civic heart of the city, surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful Victorian buildings. Argent and BAM started our industry leading partnership in 1994 with the first new building at Brindleyplace and we have now delivered over 30 award winning buildings together. We expect this productive partnership to make Two Chamberlain Square equally successful.”

Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward said: “The exciting Paradise transformation is the perfect symbol of Birmingham's growing ambition and confidence. Big things are happening in this city and our regeneration is really gathering pace. The Paradise development further enhances Birmingham's reputation as a leading business destination. We're creating jobs and opportunities, and as our skyline changes, so do the prospects for our young and growing population.”

Designed by Birmingham-based Glenn Howells Architects, Two Chamberlain Square will be eight storeys tall. Large open floorplates of approximately 24,000 sq ft make up the upper floors complemented by 16,000 sq ft of retail space at ground level with access to both Chamberlain Square and Centenary Way. It will also feature a panoramic terrace on the sixth floor giving stunning views across to the Grade II listed Museum & Art Gallery and Council House and the Grade I listed Town Hall.

At 1.8 million square feet, Paradise is due to will deliver up to 10 new flagship buildings, offering offices, shops, bars, cafés, restaurants and a four star hotel across 17 acres in the heart of Birmingham.

The Paradise redevelopment is being brought forward through Paradise Circus Limited Partnership (PCLP), a private-public joint venture with Birmingham City Council. The private sector funding is being managed by Hermes Investment Management which has partnered with Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) on the first phase of the development. Argent is the development manager.

Paradise sits in the country’s largest city centre Enterprise Zone and has already benefited from investment by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) in enabling and infrastructure works.

A website showcasing the vision for Paradise, in addition to a live time-lapse camera, can be viewed at www.paradisebirmingham.co.uk.