Plans in for new canalside resi scheme

Tamlyn Jones
·2-min read
Image showing the proposed Gather & Soul development at 52 Gas Street, Birmingham
-Credit: (Image: Broadway Malyan)


Plans have been lodged for a new canalside residential development in Birmingham city centre.

Called Gather & Soul, it would see the wholesale redevelopment of buildings at 52 Gas Street to create 161 co-living apartments and amenities space, primarily aimed at the city's young professional community.

The application site, which overlooks Gas Street Basin, is currently occupied by a former gun factory which was later used as a stables for the canal and was also home to legendary nightclub Bobby Browns before it closed down in 2003.

A new bar called The Verve Lounge opened in the building in February.

If approved, the building would be replaced by two adjoining blocks of 15 and seven storeys respectively while the adjoining Gas Street Canal Basin Toll would be retained and used for apartments.

Other planned amenities include a concierge service, lounge and cinema room, co-working space, gym, rooftops terraces and 100 cycle spaces.

The scheme, proposed by GNM Developments, is aiming to be a benchmark for green projects by having a specialised solar façade on the main building, projected to generate more than 427,000 kilowatt hours of energy a year.

This would not only serve the building's energy needs but also contribute surplus electricity back to the grid, helping to illuminate Gas Street.

Image showing the proposed Gather & Soul development at 52 Gas Street, Birmingham
Gather & Soul will overlook Gas Street Basin -Credit:Broadway Malyan

The project has been designed by architecture practice Broadway Malyan and a planning application has now been submitted to Birmingham City Council after the proposals were first unveiled in April.

A raft of new pictures have also been unveiled, showcasing how the development could look.

Gerald Manton is the managing director at GNM Developments and also chairman of Westside Business Improvement District which covers the application site.

He said: "The name Gather & Soul name resonates with Gas Street's tradition of welcoming and inclusive establishments.

"The new pictures show how the latest technology will make solar panels an attractive element of the building's design.

"They also reveal our planned improvements which will help to liven up Gas Street which is currently fairly dead at the far end.

Image showing the proposed Gather & Soul development at 52 Gas Street, Birmingham
Steps will connect the development to Birmingham's famous canal network -Credit:Broadway Malyan

"We're also investigating the potential of electric charging points along Gas Street and possibly even to the canal, given the added capacity our eco building gives to this part of the city.

"This development is aligned with Birmingham's Future City Plan which proposes ambitious sustainability targets that focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources.

"The Gather & Soul development aims to reduce the building's reliance on energy use, such as air-conditioning and artificial lighting, and conserve water while also promoting the use of public transport."

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