World’s tallest pure octagonal residential building gets go-ahead
Plans for the world’s tallest pure octagonal residential building have been given the green light.
Octagon will be one of the UK’s most distinctive towers, says Argent. The build will see a 155m tall residential landmark built at the northern apex of the Paradise site, on land currently occupied by the 77 Paradise Circus Queensway office building and fronting Summer Row.
Taller than the BT Tower, Octagon will be a unique 370-home, 49 storey build to rent building.
It will also include a number of affordable homes for rent as part of the overall mix of one, two and three bedroom units.
Octagon, designed by Birmingham-based Glenn Howells Architects, could be completed by 2024.
Tim Pile, chairman, Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GSBLEP) said: “This is another major milestone for the Paradise Birmingham development. We have invested £139 million into Phase 1 and 2 and it’s already made a huge difference in transforming the heart of the city centre. As well as welcoming new visitors and businesses, the Octagon will enable residents to enjoy sustainable city centre living in a building that will become a recognised Birmingham landmark.”
Speaking last May, Rob Groves, regional director with Argent, said: “Our ambition with Octagon is simple – to build one of the finest apartment schemes ever seen in the UK. Everything about the building – its height, the size of the apartments themselves and their design, the views and the location in the city centre – will be a first.
“We want this building to really stand out which is why we have been working so hard behind the scenes with Glenn Howells Architects to come up with a very pure design that will create a true landmark capable of holding its own on the Birmingham skyline both now and in the future.
“It is also about creating a real experience for everyone who lives at Octagon. The unique shape of the building means the homes will be spacious and due to its landscape windows, height and position on the Birmingham ridge, every single home at Octagon will have spectacular views across the city.
