Green light for Southside scheme after noise-related battle
146 apartments are set for Birmingham’s Southside district, after a lengthy battle over noise mitigation.
Plans were initially refused for a 15-storey building in March 2022 as the council felt there was an absence of an agreement to secure mitigation measures from the Nightingale which could result in complaints against the venue, as well as an affordable housing deal.
Now, developer Prosperity has permission to demolish the existing three-storey vacant office building at the junction of Kent Street and Lower Essex Street, and construct a nine to twelve-storey building providing 111 one & 35 two-bedroom apartments.
Features designed by Glancy Nicholls include a shared lounge, two roof terraces at Level 9, on-site amenities across 655 sq m, a rear courtyard and 148 cycle spaces.
Birmingham City Council has agreed a Section 106 agreement with Prosperity, for it to pay £1.05m for noise mitigation works at the Nightingale. An escrow account held by the council will be used for the club to draw down on for works.
If works cost less than £1.05m, the funds will be used for affordable housing, but if it costs more, the council will refund money overpaid by the applicant.
Joe Billingham, Chief Executive at Prosperity Group, said: “Kent Street is an exciting opportunity to drive local growth and prosperity in a key part of Birmingham.
“Southside is an area with a diverse range of cultures and communities and we’re proud to be playing our part in its evolution. From the Gay Village, Chinese Quarter and the developing Smithfield area, our new homes will ensure that people can not only enjoy what Southside has to offer but live as part of the vibrant community here.
“In keeping with these ambitions, we’ve worked closely with Birmingham City Council and other partners including the Nightingale Club to find an agreeable solution which ensures that the key cultural venue nearby is protected as part of this transformation. We look forward to working harmoniously with the LGBTQ+ community to deliver this exciting project.”
