CPO clears the way for one million sq ft city centre office development
Approval of a Compulsory Purchase Order by Birmingham City Council is set to unlock the development potential of a major city centre office scheme.
The CPO will give the city council the right to acquire third party interests in the site in order to secure vacant possession of the Axis Building on Holliday Street.
London and Continental Railways’s (LCR) plans for Axis Square (see images below) were granted planning permission last year, and will create one million square feet of new Grade A office accommodation between the Mailbox and Arena Central, together with a new public square.
The current building, which dates from the 1970s, does not confornm to modern office standards and is unsuitable for conversion.
Developers believe the new scheme will meet the city’s growing demand for modern, Grade A office space.
Axis Square will consist of four modern office buildings with cafes, restaurant and retail opportunities at ground floor, formed around a public open space featuring over 100 new trees.
Plans include features such as winter gardens and terraces with food growing spaces for employees and a running track. There will be wider public benefits to the city from the scheme due to a new pedestrian route through the site from New Street Station to Arena Central and beyond.
After implementing the CPO and securing vacant possession, work could start on site next year.
Nick Clough, development manager for LCR, said: “The council’s resolution to grant the use of a CPO is a fundamental step forward in delivering this important development for the city. Axis Square will cater to the increasing employment needs of the region, both for government and the private sector, with office space for 10,000 people, and contribute around £300m to the local economy.
“The development has been designed with sustainability and health at its heart and we are keen for the benefits of this to be felt by the wider public through the inclusion of new public spaces and an enhanced retail offer.
“We look forward to getting our highly anticipated plans off the ground so that this city centre site can finally reach its potential in contributing to the city of Birmingham.”
Axis Square
Axis Square
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