Redevelopment plans for Aston University building set for approval

View from the east showing the south wing and east side of the south façade of the original building

Plans to redevelop Aston University’s main building have been tipped for approval by Birmingham City Council planning officers.

The university is looking to demolish the south wing of its main building and restore the south elevation to reinstate the original façade. A new entrance atrium will reflect the original entrance to the building before the addition of the south wing.

A 1,300 sq ft temporary entrance would be created whilst works take place. Landscaping will also incorporate pedestrian and cycle routes and drop car parking from 72 to 28 spaces. Cycle parking will be boosted from 40 to 61 spaces.

The south wing of the main building was constructed in the 1960s/70s and is a “poor-quality extension” to the original 1950s building. It totals around 86,000 sq ft over 11 storeys.

Planning documents say Aston University is aiming to improve the accessibility to the main entrance and enhance the quality of the environment.

Proposals have been recommended for approval subject to a Section 106 agreement that there is a publicly accessible pedestrian and cycling route through the University Campus between each end of Aston Street (between James Watt Queensway and Woodcock Street) both during construction and in perpetuity as well as a contribution of £5,802.44 towards biodiversity net gain monitoring.

Birmingham City Council’s planning committee will join to discuss the scheme on December 19.