42-storey Broad Street tower proposal rejected unanimously

Plans for the redevelopment of 80 Broad Street have been rejected by Birmingham’s planning committee in today’s meeting.

80 Broad Street currently

Planning officers advised against approving the scheme, citing concerns that it would cause significant harm to the listed building due to its “setting and poor design,” even describing it as “awkward” and “disjointed.”

HJB Investments originally proposed altering the use and renovating the Grade II Listed former Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, most recently known as Zara’s Bar, Grill, and Club, which ceased operations in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plans proposed included a 42-storey tower (133.5m) housing 300 build-to-rent homes, along with a 12,000 sq ft community facility on the fourth floor, half of which would be situated within the listed building.

Adjacent to this facility would be a 6,000 sq ft viewing platform named GlassWorks, incorporating a café/exhibition area.

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

The project designed by Architects at Marrons was set to generate 299 full-time jobs during the construction phase.

Once completed, the neighbourhood was expected to contribute £12.2m and £8.8m annually to the UK and West Midlands economy.

The proposal ended in a unanimous refusal.