BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES TO APPROVE REDEVELOPMENT OF SMALLBROOK QUEENSWAY BUILDINGS

Birmingham City Council’s planning committee has resolved to approve the redevelopment of the Smallbrook Queensway buildings in central Birmingham.

CEG’s proposals are set to revitalise an underutilised brownfield site in the heart of Birmingham city centre, providing three new towers of up to 56-storeys which will comprise up to 1,750 new homes, ground floor retail and leisure space alongside significant enhancements to local public realm.

James Shimwell, head of residential development at CEG, said: “This decision enables significant investment into Birmingham. It will deliver 1,750 much-needed new homes in a sustainable city centre location.

 “Our proposals will transform the gateway to Southside – creating safer public places and drastically improving the connectivity with pedestrian links between New Street station, Digbeth and Smithfield.  Ground floor amenities and new public spaces will benefit residents, visitors and local businesses.”

Following more than three years of detailed technical work, CEG’s extensive professional team, working collaboratively with Birmingham City Council officers, have designed a solution that will revitalise this brownfield site and provide extensive environmental, social and economic benefits.

When completed, the proposal is expected to deliver wide-ranging economic, social and environmental benefits include circa 190 jobs on site, bringing more than £100m economic boost to the region during construction, and an uplift of £7.4m GVA once the scheme is completed. This mixed-use, vibrant and sustainable community will also provide a catalyst for wider regeneration of the area.

Designed by Corstorphine & Wright, the innovative and sustainable fabric-first design will provide substantially reduced carbon emissions and will become net zero in operation. As well as including photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps, highly efficient heat recovery technology, water reduction and recycling initiatives, zero waste to landfill and low energy lighting systems, it will be car free to further reduce carbon emissions. There will also be significant biodiversity benefits, through extensive areas of public open space, landscaping and supporting further greening of Queensway.

Ultimately, the development aligns with Birmingham’s vision to bring green, sustainable, inclusive and bold regeneration to the city centre that attracts more residents and further major investment. The enhancements to Queensway complement Birmingham City Council’s Our Future City Plan: Central Birmingham Framework 2040.

The project team also includes Turley, RLF, Curtins, Montagu Evans, Wintech, Stantec and Hoare Lea.