Proposal lodged for 42-storey Broad Street tower

Plans have been submitted for the redevelopment of 80 Broad Street, to create a 42-storey tower with a community hub.

HJB Investments is looking to change the use and refurbish the Grade II Listed former Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, which most recently operated as Zara’s Bar, Grill and Club before closing in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its place, a 133.5m tower with 300 build-to-rent homes would be developed, as well as a 12,000 sq ft flexible community facility on the fourth floor, with half of the space being within the listed building. A 6,000 sq ft viewing platform named GlassWorks would be attached to the facility and would include a café/exhibition area. 

80 Broad Street currently

Permission has been sought for:

• 100-one bed’s for one person
• 107-one bed’s for two people
• 30-two bed’s for three people
• 64-two bed’s for four people

Plans also feature a cycle hub with 300 parking spaces, a 3,500 sq ft outdoor roof terrace, 2,300 sq ft shared amenity space and 8,000 sq ft of landscaped public realm.

The mixed-use residential-led scheme, designed by architects at Marrons is set to create 299 full-time jobs during the construction phase. Once complete, the neighbourhood is expected to contribute £12.2m and £8.8m to the UK and West Midlands economy each year, respectively.

Charlotte El Hakiem, planning director at Marrons, who led the application, said: “Broad Street is undergoing a period of intense regeneration, with the overriding vision of creating a vibrant residential neighbourhood, so we are extremely pleased to unveil plans to transform a beautiful Georgian-style building on under-utilised brownfield land.

“The proposal takes a distinctive and innovative approach that allows for the retention and careful repurposing of a Grade II-listed building to bring it back into public use, while simultaneously creating a striking 42-storey landmark tower that contains much-needed housing to accommodate the city’s ever-growing population.

“Beyond the tangible housing benefits, the proposal promises to significantly enhance the city’s public realm, improve connectivity, and invigorate the local economy through the creation of flexible community spaces and onsite amenities – delivering extensive community and public benefits to the area.”