£300m garden square vision revealed for city
A£300 million vision for a garden square surrounded by new hotels, offices and apartments in the heart of Birmingham has been revealed.
The artist’s impression of New Garden Square, which will be created on land between Hagley Road and Duchess Road in Edgbaston was unveiled as landowner Calthorpe Estates and developer U+I submitted a planning application to Birmingham City Council.
Around ten acres of land have been earmarked for the project which will comprise up to 400 apart- ments, 610,000 sq ft of office space, potential for a 100-bedroom hotel and new bars, restaurants and shops.
The development will surround a landscaped garden square and retain existing grade II-listed buildings on the site. Some of the 1970s architecture will be demolished.
The project was first announced last October but this new image reveals for the first time the ambition of the plans.
U+I director Paul Patenall said: “New Garden Square is a £300 million regeneration project that will transform some tired office buildings in a fabulous location in the city.
“If planning is granted, we will be looking at delivering the first phase of the scheme in early 2020, which will be perfectly timed around the planned Sprint and Metro extension transport improvements are scheduled to stop on the Hagley Road.”
Ralph Minott, director of development with Calthorpe Estates, added: “New Garden Square epitomises Calthorpe Estates’ vision to create thriving communities and the best places to live and work within the estate. The regeneration of the area to deliver a new vibrant mixed-use destination is fitting as we celebrate our 300th anniversary.
“The site of New Garden Square was one of the very early concentrated commercial new office developments brought forward by the estate in the 1960s and 70s.
“Nearly 60 years on, modern offices, working practices and our environmental challenges require us to look ahead to the next 60 years and how we will challenge the way we work and live, as the city enters a new era of phenomenal change.”
Birmingham practice Glenn Howells Architects designed the masterplan.