Public realm planning permission granted at £700m Paradise scheme
Planning permission has been granted by Birmingham City Council for new public realm at Paradise Birmingham as part of the completion of Phase Two of the £700m development.
The plans include a series of new public spaces and pedestrian routes through Paradise and improved linkages between Colmore Row and the city core and Westside and the Jewellery Quarter.
The approved links include the new Ratcliff Passage alongside the Town Hall, Ratcliff Square, and Western Terrace leading to Easy Row with a newly renovated subway route through to Alpha Tower and Arena Central.
Rob Groves, regional development director with Paradise development manager MEPC, said: “This is yet another significant milestone for Paradise and allows the team to move towards completing Phase Two of the development with its important new buildings and enhanced new public space.
“The success of the existing public realm is reflected in what we are now proposing with more high-quality stonework with a variety of tones and finishes alongside mature trees and greener elements. With two green lights for both the public realm and new hotel now awarded, we’ve brought cutting edge new designs for exemplar new public realmwhich will continue to knit Paradise into the wider city centre.’
Chris Taylor, CEO of real estate at the international business of Federated Hermes, said: “As long-term investors in the city with a conviction for delivering sustainable wealth for its citizens, we are committed to maintaining a socially inclusive, sustainable approach to our work.
“The public realm is a critical part of how the wider development is integrated into the city and will allow for future tenants and the wider Birmingham community alike to enjoy the curated spaces.
“By bringing forward a scheme that truly meets the needs of the citizens of Birmingham, Paradise continues to deliver the priorities set out in its over-arching masterplan and help deliver a resilient City and a sense of belonging for all.”
Anita Bhalla, interim chair at Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) added: “Paradise is a landmark development that has not only transformed the centre of Birmingham but added to the reputation of the region.
“It’s a symbol of how GBSLEP has helped drive inclusive economic growth. Our £139 million Enterprise Zone investment has enabled new buildings, housing, infrastructure, and the world-class Chamberlain Square.
“This latest planning approval for a new public square and pedestrian routes builds on the successful partnership between the local council, businesses and other agencies to deliver the very best for people and local businesses. It will provide a better route for visitors accessing Paradise as well as civic buildings like the Town Hall and the Library.”
