Birmingham ice rink scheme given green light

THE redevelopment of the former Silver Blades ice rink in Birmingham city centre has taken a leap forward after the city council granted planning permission for an 11-storey tower containing 334 apartments, together with retail and commercial floor space.

Hallmark-BY Development, a joint venture between Hallmark Investments and Bouygues Development, is behind the redevelopment plans for the former Leisure Box site at Pershore Street.

The planned development has been designed by Corstorphine + Wright Architects.  

Demolition work has already started at the site.

Andrea Caplan, associate director of Brooke Smith Planning Consultants, agents for the scheme, said “We are extremely pleased that permission has been granted for this important site, which will form a key gateway point into the Smithfield redevelopment area.

“It has been a long process, working closely with the council, but the final results will be worth the wait.”

Peter Carter, co-owner of Hallmark Investments, said: “We are delighted to have entered into partnership with Bouygues Development on this important city centre scheme. Bouygues Development’s involvement will enable the commencement of this long-planned and much-needed regeneration.

“Demolition of the existing dilapidated building has already commenced to make way for the construction of a landmark residential-led scheme that will both improve this area of the city centre whilst at the same time meeting some of the accommodation shortages in central Birmingham.”