Major Birmingham residential scheme approved

The planned 48-storey tower on the former Irish Centre site

The 48-storey development on the site of the former Irish Centre in Birmingham has been approved despite concerns about the lack of affordable housing.

The £144m residential development includes 454 one and two-bed apartments with around 10,000 sq ft of space to include a gym, a cinema, a sky lounge and bar and space for co-working.

The scheme has been backed by Gallagher Developments and designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects, and is next to Court Collaboration’s current Stone Yard development plans.

The build to rent scheme includes just 14 affordable units, which represents a 3% contribution, along with a similar contribution from £500,000 of public realm works.

Birmingham City Council has a policy aspiration to seek 35% affordable homes as a developer contribution.

Cllr Julie Johnson described the contribution as “really disappointing” given that 35% would mean there should be 158 apartments classed as affordable housing.

In response, Sean Hannaby, Birmingham City Council’s interim assistant director for planning, said: “Clearly, none of us are happy with the level of contribution that is being made because we have a policy aspiration for so much more.”

“We think this is the best that we can put forward to you at this point. It is a significant development, it will have an impact on the city. And we think the overall benefits to the city justify supporting the scheme which is very well designed and will have a significant impact on the cityscape.”

The planning committee approved the plans by 7-1, with Cllr Simon Morrall objecting. The development could be completed by 2024.

A year ago the Irish Centre Birmingham confirmed it would be moving from Digbeth High Street after 50 years and relocating to the former Stadium Club site in Kings Heath, where it plans to build a new centre with hotel, bar and conference facilities.

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