Plans set to refurbish ‘uninviting’ passageway in Birmingham city centre
Refurbishment plans for a “landmark” building in Birmingham city centre have been approved and could see a key but “uninviting” passageway updated.
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The proposals, submitted to Birmingham City Council, described Colmore Gate as a “highly prominent” building with far-reaching views over the skyline.
After being given the green light, the plans are set to provide a number of changes including modifications to the ground floor facade and a refurbishment of the passageway linking Colmore Row to Bull Street.
The existing pedestrian link was dark, uninviting and “known to encourage antisocial behaviour”, according to those behind the proposed scheme.
“The updates to the passageway will brighten the space, which will improve the way in which it is used by pedestrians and reduce the antisocial behaviour within it,” a design document said.
It went on to say: “The proposed refurbishment of the existing ground floor facade and passageway will reinvigorate the existing building as a high-quality, contemporary landmark within Birmingham city centre.”
A council officer’s report concluded that the proposal would update the ground floor facade and improve the “visual amenity” of the area without adversely impacting heritage assets.
It added that improving the public passageway would provide a public benefit.
The city council has since approved the plans, subject to conditions, while a separate planning application for Colmore Gate, this one for a new roof garden and pavilion at level nine, has also been given the green light.
Decisions on these proposals come after previous plans for a new tower on the site were refused following concerns over its height.
The plans, which would have involved the partial demolition of an existing building and extension to create a 26-storey tower, were considered by the council’s planning committee last February.
Historic England previously objected to the plans, saying: “The main impact on the conservation area would be from the increase in height of the tower from 17 to 26 storeys.”
Considering whether the scale of the proposed development could be amended, the council’s independent consultants previously said reducing the height of the tower building by four storeys “significantly impacts on viability.”
On whether its appearance could be altered, a council officer’s report also added the design was “acceptable” considering its central business district location and added it was a “betterment on the existing architecture”.
The report said the proposal would provide economic benefits, as well as an “attractive pedestrian route”, while also acknowledging it would cause “low levels of less than substantial harm”.
Councillor Martin Brooks, former chair of the planning committee, said at the time: “I do have concerns about buildings that actually straddle the area between two very important Victorian conservation areas within the city.
“I’m minded personally not to support this on the basis of the height.”
The planning application was ultimately refused following a vote of councillors last year.
“This less than substantial harm is not outweighed by the identified benefits of the proposed development,” the reason for refusal stated.
