British Land has submitted its planning application to Birmingham City Council for a £160 million new landmark office development in the city centre.

The proposed 35-storey building, on the corner of Colmore Row and Newhall Street, is designed by award winning architects Hamiltons and could generate around 2,500 jobs and help attract more global and international companies to the city.

The scheme encompasses 285,000 sq ft of the highest quality office space, ground floor retail accommodation and possibly a roof top restaurant.

Robert Samuel, Director of British Land, said: “We believe we have designed not only a landmark building but also one that will bring real and tangible benefits to Birmingham city centre and to its business community.

“The design will play a vital role in maintaining the vibrancy and reputation of the city’s business district and we are very excited about the scheme.

“The present building is simply no longer commercially viable – which is why it has been empty for so long – and we think it is vital that the city, with its recently launched ‘Big City Plan’ is able to offer to expanding companies, as well as to those looking to relocate here, the quality of office space they need.

“The building will incorporate a range of sustainable measures, and will provide a 30 per cent overall reduction in energy use compared with current standards.“

British Land’s submission follows extensive public and stakeholder consultation and the proposed building reflects the city council’s planning policy for the site, promising a new landmark building in the heart of Birmingham’s City Centre.

The building will feature a light mast which will run from its base to 25 metres above roof level. The reception of the building will face both Colmore Row and Newhall Street, while the pavement on Colmore Row will be widened by the creation of a four storey colonnade.

Savills’ Birmingham office will market the building while GVA Grimley, based in Brindley Place, is the planning consultant for the project. Nick Williams, a director of office leasing at Savills, said: “This is the very heart of the city’s commercial quarter and demands a building of this stature and quality.

“The scheme is ideally placed to not only draw on the professional sector, a key market driver, but also be a significant asset in generating increased inward investment.

“It will not only attract existing city occupiers but it will also enhance the city’s UK offer which is essential if Birmingham is to continue to progress as a very serious business player.”

“Subject to planning, demolition could start this year, with the building available in 2001.”

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