Plans lodged for 33-storey BTR tower

Plans have been submitted for a landmark build-to-rent (BTR) development in Birmingham which would include almost 300 homes across a 33-storey building.Urban Vision, a specialist real estate investor and developer, is behind the plans for 100 Broad Street. The proposal was unveiled in March.If approved, Urban Vision said the proposals will maximise development on a brownfield site. The building will also be one of the most sustainable in Birmingham, designed to be a ‘smart’ building that is both-all electric and uses innovative technology to help drive efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint and occupational costs of its users.As well as 294 homes, the proposals also include communal amenities such as co-working spaces and communal lounges, rooftop gardens, as well as opportunities for independent shops, cafés, or restaurants at street level.The site at 100 Broad Street has been identified as a key development opportunity in Birmingham and has benefitted from a historic planning consent. A 61-storey residential building was approved in 2019, but this was found to be undeliverable so never progressed.Instead, Urban Vision said its planning application proposes a deliverable, efficiently designed building, that is highly sustainable, future proofed for changing occupational needs, and of an architectural style and materiality that will give the building longevity.The building, which has been designed by Howells, uses a unique asymmetrical shape to add value to the city’s skyline whilst providing most apartments with dual aspect views across the city. It takes inspiration from Birmingham’s concrete heritage and iconic urban landscape.It is anticipated that new residents will have access to around £5m of available expenditure which could benefit local businesses along Broad Street and the wider area. The development is expected to create more than 50 new jobs once operational, as well as many more during construction.Nigel Robson, director at Urban Vision, said: “100 Broad Street is a fantastic opportunity to deliver one of Birmingham’s most sustainable buildings, which adds real value to the city and its skyline. We wanted to deliver something that will set the standard for tall buildings in Birmingham, but also drew on the city’s heritage.”As an underutilised brownfield site, this is an opportunity to support the wider regeneration of the area – driving local growth and creating jobs. It is important we get this right.”Our proposals are deliverable and, should planning permission be granted, construction can begin as soon as possible. We look forward to working with our partners at Birmingham City Council, and within the community, to progress the application.”Howells director Robert King added: “This project has challenged us to look again and question the blueprint for efficient tall building designs. The stepped form has created an opportunity to explore a unique, sustainable approach to high-rise living and integrates new regulations and construction techniques.”100 Broad Street pays reference to Birmingham’s architectural modernist past while looking to the future to create a building that is more Birmingham, less anywhere. We look forward to working with Urban Vision and the wider team to provide sustainable, build-to-rent homes for the current and future residents of Birmingham.”