Chequerboard scheme to start on site in 2021 following planning consent

Birmingham planners have granted planning permission for our latest building on our Arena Central masterplan, paving the way for construction to commence this year.

1 Arena Central, also known as 5 Centenary Square, was originally granted consent in 2014 but has been updated and revised to improve its sustainability credentials – now targeting an EPC A rating and BREEAM Excellent – and to include an extra storey of commercial accommodation taking it to 10 storeys and over 200,000sq ft of Grade A offices.

We recently completed work on 3 Arena Central which is now being fitted out for the Government Property Agency and work is continuing on our consented scheme for the University of Birmingham’s conversion of the Grade II listed Midland Bank which also sits next door. 1 Centenary Square which we designed for HSBC UK was completed in 2018.

5 Centenary Square will have a distinctive chequerboard façade of recessed glazing and pale cream precast concrete panels that echo the Portland stone of neighbouring civic buildings in the square. The curved elevation provides a complementary counterpoint to the formal elevations of the neighbouring heritage bank and will draw people into the newly created Bank Court public square to the rear of the building.

Birmingham City Council’s planning committee voted unanimously to award consent to our design which is expected to commence on site later in 2021.

Mark Robinson commented: “We are pleased to achieve this significant milestone having revised our original plans to include an extra storey of office space, bringing the total lettable floorspace in the building to just over 200,000 sq ft. The new building will also include 30 car parking spaces and 160 cycling spaces.”

Greg Willis at Make Architects said: “With the changes on Broad Street to accommodate the new tram network and the recent overhaul of Centenary Square, this development will finally complete the frontage onto the square, with a distinctive façade that pays homage to its heritage neighbours. It’s an important part of the masterplan, drawing people in and through the site which was formerly inaccessible as the old ATV studios and we welcome the commitment by Kier and BCC to this important part of the city’s regeneration.”