World’s first mixed-use net zero carbon ready development hit by delay
Plans for the world’s first mixed-use net zero carbon ready development have been delayed by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee.
Tani Dulay’s Woodbourne Group has plans to take forward the £360m waterfront ecosystem known as Curzon Wharf, and will be within eight minutes walking distance of the HS2 Curzon Street Station.
However, the planning committee has said that it needs further information around the size and affordability of the homes. It has deferred the decision on whether the scheme should go ahead.
The masterplan is expected to boost Birmingham’s economy by at least £151m and generate more than 1,000 jobs.
If finally approved, the site of 993,046 sq ft will provide mixed-use space providing up to 732 student flats, 265 residential co-living units with amenity space and up to 498 residential units.
It will include nearly 130,000 sq ft of office, R&D and life science space, over 3,000 sq ft of retail space, 15,000 sq ft of leisure space, more than 76,424 sq ft of new and improved public realm and 490m of walking and cycling routes.
The built-to-rent element will stand 53 storeys high making it Birmingham’s tallest building at 172m (564 feet). The purpose-built student accommodation will be 41 storeys and the co-living 14 storeys tall.
The delay comes after a seven year consultation process with the local authority, the public, and a team of regeneration and built-environment specialists.
The plans have been welcomed by senior civic leaders, key figures and businesses from Birmingham including West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Ian Ward and Neil Rami, chief executive of the West Midlands Growth Company.
