Plans for ten-storey Birmingham building overlooking key city centre location take step forward

A view of the proposed development at Centenary Square from the Library of Birmingham terrace. Taken from design and access statement by Make Architects/Arena Central Developments.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Plans for a ten-storey office building in an iconic location in the heart of Birmingham have been recommended for approval. The proposed development would be based at Centenary Square, home to well-known sights such as the Grade II listed Baskerville House, the ICC complex, the Hall of Memory and Birmingham REP.

It would boast a rooftop plant area, a terrace overlooking the square, parking and a cycle store. According to a council officer’s report, the application is similar to a previous scheme granted consent in 2021 but with updates to the design to “better suit the current market”.

The scheme would also form part of the key Arena Central opposite the Library of Birmingham, a long-running project that is already home to businesses such as HSBC UK and Holiday Inn Express. A design document for the proposed building at 5 Centenary Square said Arena Central had proven itself a “successful business cluster”.

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“The building needs to act as a gateway into Arena Central,” it continued. “The striking building and landscape design has to maintain the level of quality set by the previously consented buildings."

The council report, published ahead of next week’s planning meeting, said the cladding design creates a “simple, bold pattern” that emphasised the curved corner of the building. It concluded the proposed building retained the character of the previous 2021 permission.

“The proposal is acceptable regarding visual amenity and the impact on the setting of nearby heritage assets, including the adjacent Former Municipal Bank,” it continued. “The proposed changes when compared to the previous scheme granted consent in 2021 seek to update the building design to better suit the current market.

“The application is therefore recommended for approval subject to conditions". The proposals will be considered by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee next Thursday, November 28.