New Paradise block topped out
THE first office block on the £700 million Paradise development has been topped out, marking a major milestone for the project.
The eight-storey building, called One Chamberlain Square, will be home to accountancy firm PwC and is due to open in 2019.
It is two years since demolition of the former Central Library and Paradise Circus site began.
Designed by Eric Parry Architects, the eight storey, 172,000 sq ft building overlooks Chamberlain Square and sits across from Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Town Hall.
The building has been fully let to PwC which, as well as relocating its existing 1,400-strong Birmingham team from Cornwall Court in summer 2019 has the option to accommodate a further 1,000 staff as the business grows across the West Midlands.
Council leader Ian Ward said: “Paradise is another example of Birmingham delivering on its growth, skills and jobs agenda. This exceptional development perfectly reflects the confidence and ambition of the city as a leading business destination with an international reputation for quality and innovation.
“The scheme also reflects the very best of a successful public/private partnership, bringing to life the Big City Plan and delivering growth in the Birmingham City Centre Enterprise Zone.
“The pace at which Paradise is moving forward and the quality of the architecture being brought to life at the very heart of this city is tremendously exciting.”
He described it as one of the most important commercial developments in the UK outside London.
PwC regional chairman Matthew Hammond added: “With its high quality space and central location in the city’s newest and foremost commercial development, One Chamberlain Square represents a blueprint for our larger regional office model, with a tech-enabled, flexible environment that provides an exceptional visitor experience for our clients and a great working environment for our people.”
The office building will include a ground floor restaurant and shops, as well as a large roof terrace.
At 1.8 million square feet, Paradise will deliver up to ten new flagship buildings, offering offices, shops, bars, cafés, restaurants and a fourstar hotel across 17 acres.