Six skyscrapers set to transform city

Towers such as One Eastside and the Octagon, currently under construction, are already transforming the ever-changing city centre as they ascend towards the sky.

But there are several more eye-catching skyscrapers set to spring up across Birmingham in the coming months and years after being approved by the city council’s planning committee.

Not everyone has expressed total approval and some concerns were raised by councillors during meetings earlier this year over the potential harm or the number of affordable homes being provided.

Developers behind such major projects, however, are keen to point out that they can bring a huge array of benefits to the city and contribute to the regeneration of the area.

With ongoing schemes already bringing change to Birmingham, here’s a look at six skyscrapers approved in 2024.

1) Hagley Road

Plans to build a 37-storey skyscraper near a busy Birmingham road were approved earlier this month – despite one councillor describing the proposals as “perverse”.

Those behind the project previously said the new tower could become a “local landmark” and is set to provide 462 apartments, as well as “commercial, business and service space”.

The application site is close to Hagley Road and forms part of the wider New Garden Square development site in the area.

However, one councillor raised concerns over the potential impact the development could have during a recent planning committee meeting.

“The run of historic houses we have down there is very impressive and attractive,” Councillor David Barrie said. “They’re in excellent condition and to have a monster, an incredibly-sized block overshadowing it, it seems perverse.”

Idris Gulfraz, planning officer, acknowledged during the meeting there would be harm in terms of heritage.

However, he continued: “That harm has always been there from the other developments that have arisen over the years.

“We obviously note there is an impact and it’s going to be of a greater magnitude to what’s there as existing but we do feel the benefits of this scheme outweigh that level of harm.”

2) Cambrian Wharf

Plans for new student accommodation blocks, lodged by University College Birmingham (UCB), were approved in July.

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 a total of 1,205 student bed spaces for UCB.

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

“UCB wishes 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”.

3) 90-97 Broad Street

Earlier this year, plans for a 47-storey skyscraper in Broad Street were approved despite concerns over the number of affordable homes.

The tower is set to boast 525 homes as well as a lobby area, resident’s lounge, gym, well-being space and event space.

Councillors previously 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.

But Andy Street, former Mayor of the West Midlands, described the percentage of affordable homes as “shameful”.

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.

Planning committee chair Martin Brooks added: “We’ve had a financial viability assessment which backs up the facts and that makes it very difficult to argue something differently.”

4) 100 Broad Street

Plans for another tower in Broad Street, this one at 33-storeys, were also given the green light this year.

The development, at 100 Broad Street, is set to include 294 homes and communal amenities such as co-working spaces, a cycle hub, meeting rooms and rooftop gardens.

During a planning meeting, councillor Jack Deakin said he was “incredibly disappointed” by the affordable housing offer.

The council officer’s report recommended the application be approved on the condition that 3.1 per cent affordable rental units were provided.

Councillor Martin Brooks, chair of the planning committee, said: “There are costs to developers that do count against affordable housing.

“There is a balance to be achieved.”

After being approved by the planning committee, Mark Owen, director at developer Urban Vision, said the project was a “fantastic opportunity to deliver one of Birmingham’s most sustainable buildings”.

5) Garrison Circus, Digbeth

Plans for four new buildings in Digbeth, including a 37-storey high residential tower, were approved this year.

The proposed buildings include two residential towers with a total of 546 apartments and two student blocks with 710 units.

Paul Squire, chief executive at developer Sama Investments, said: “Garrison Circus will transform an underutilised brownfield site to unlock a new gateway into Digbeth, whilst also supporting the wider regeneration of the area.

“Not only will we deliver much-needed new homes and support the vibrancy of nearby universities, but our plans offer street-level community uses and green space for existing residents in the area to enjoy.”

6) Digbeth

Two new buildings, one of 34 storeys and one of ten storeys, are set to be based in Clyde Street/High Street and provide 481 homes.

Following the development getting approval, Richard Cook, group director of development at Clarion Housing Group, said: “We are proud to now be able to progress with such a significant project.

“Our vision for our development in Digbeth is to provide modern homes and create a thriving community where affordability does not compromise quality.”