47-storey Broad Street tower tipped for approval

A 47-storey Broad Street tower has been recommended for approval by Birmingham City Council planning officers, subject to a legal agreement.

The Essington at 90-97 Broad Street features 525 apartments, with a mix of 229 one-beds and 296 two-beds over 145m.

A key part of the scheme is a £1m public pocket park that forms part of the Section 106 agreement. The Essington’s viability is dependent on a 4% affordable housing contribution with planners taking into consideration that the park will “provide wider public benefit” as well as Community Infrastructure Levy.

Designed by Glancy Nicholls and spearheaded by Regal Property Group, 1,340 sq m of private amenity space will incorporate co-working spaces, gym & yoga facilities, cinema room, private dining, events room, arcade games room, nursery/crèche, and what will be the highest sky lounge in the city.

The Section 106 agreement means the scheme is recommended for approval, subject to 21 units being classed as affordable, a minimum of £1m must be spent on the park and the building’s owner needs to manage the noise of affected units through the closure of amenity vents between the hours of 11pm and 5am.