Plans for Birmingham’s tallest tower revealed

Kuwait developer Salhia has revealed detailed plans for two further phases of a major urban regeneration scheme in the heart of Birmingham city centre.

The multi-million pound mixed-use scheme will include the city’s tallest office building and will form the Beorma Quarter, which takes its name from the first settlement of Birmingham during the Anglo-Saxon period.

Phase one cost over £18m and is mostly completed. It combined refurbishment and new build, with much of the office space let to The Prince’s Trust.

The recently announced Phases two and three will feature three new blocks including a 30-storey tower. Together, the overall mixed-use development will provide offices, residential, retail, restaurants, a hotel plus a newly landscaped piazza.

Construction is expected to start later this year. Salhia is seeking pre-lets of the commercial office space and negotiations are in hand with several interested parties.

Waheed Nazir, Corporate Director, Economy, at Birmingham City Council, said: “The city is experiencing unprecedented levels of growth which is set to continue over the next 15 years.

Abdulaziz Al-Nafisi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Salhia, said: “We’ve been investing in UK property for over 20 years, Beorma Quarter will be our first stand-alone, UK project. With a focus on Birmingham because of HS2 and the Midlands Engine, we think the development will be a great addition to the city and further boost the local economy in the Digbeth district.”