Nikal re-thinks its Masshouse scheme

PROPERTY developer Nikal has submitted a planning application for the second phase of its mixed-use Masshouse development in Birmingham.

It has opted to revise the original planning permission, granted in 2008 following changes to the wider economic climate and the announcement of a number of key infrastructure changes within the city.

While the quantum of space and its uses remain unchanged – with 60,000 sq m of Grade A commercial space, retail and a 200 bed hotel and apartments, all set around a new central square – several key amendments have been made.

The new public square has been relocated from the centre of the site to the edge, with one side open to Priory Queensway. The office buildings themselves have also been reconfigured, offering larger floorplates across fewer floors.

Nikal’s development director James Payne said: “Our original scheme was conceived in a very different economic climate and in order to ensure that we are delivering a new commercial district fit for the future demands of the city, we have made changes to our consented scheme that will still ensure exemplary space whilst focusing on satisfying future market demand and quicker delivery.

“One of the key alterations sees movement of the proposed square that will open up the development, creating a more inviting environment and enhances the pedestrian route connecting the City Park and HS2 to the Colmore Business District and Snow Hill area. It also increases the benefit of being south-facing, giving occupiers more time to enjoy the space for longer and creating a truly inviting environment.”

Payne said Nikal has worked closely with Glenn Howells Architects and property consultancy Savills to devise this revised application which also allows for the delivery of the scheme to take place in phases, with any single building and the new public realm able to be developed first, depending on market needs.

Revisions have also been made to the application in order to ensure that it takes full advantage of Birmingham City Council’s development blueprint, the Big City Plan, which had not been implemented when the original permission was granted.

Nikal is hoping that permission will be received by September.