Five-tower masterplan tipped for approval
Vita Group’s ambitious redevelopment plans for the former Axis Square have been recommended for approval, subject to a legal agreement.
Proposals for Goods Station feature five new buildings varying in height from 10 to 49 storeys, designed by SimpsonHaugh, set around a new urban garden which creates a route from Navigation Street to Holliday Street.
The masterplan will include three residential buildings creating 990 new homes, a 221-room serviced apartment building and a PBSA plot delivered under Vita Group’s House of Social brand alongside a 17,000 sq ft public food hall.
- Building 1 – South Residential Tower (484 C3 units), 49 Storeys
- Building 2 – North Residential Tower (384 C3 units), 39 Storeys
- Building 3 – Student Residential Tower (720 bedspaces), 29 Storeys
- Building 4 – Hotel Building (229 C1 units, 278 beds), 19 storeys
- Building 5 – Residential Building (122 C3 units), 10 storeys
Planning officers at Birmingham City Council have recommended that Goods Station be approved, subject to Vita agreeing to make a £3.9m off-site affordable housing contribution, spend at least £3.2m on public realm and purchase relevant biodiversity credits.
In its construction phase, the regeneration of the site is expected to create around 485 jobs in the West Midlands and will contribute £245M to the local economy.
Once complete, the Goods Station will generate 185 jobs on-site, generating £2.4M additional council tax for the city and adding £7.8M to Birmingham’s economy each year. If the plans are successful, Vita Group will look to break ground in the Autumn of 2025.
It also aims to feature 17,000 sq ft of new food and beverage space, and there is a proposed Community Infrastructure Levy payment of over £10m to Birmingham City Council.
The council’s planning committee will discuss the scheme tomorrow (March 10).
