Developer proposes new lease of life for vacant Birmingham supermarket
DEVELOPERS are turning planning trends on their head in Birmingham by submitting proposals to convert a former city centre supermarket and coffee shop into offices.
In recent years it has become the norm for former offices to be re-utilised for any number of things other than what they were originally intended for, with coffee shops high on the list.
Now award-winning construction group, Colmore Tang is challenging convention by proposing to convert the former Tesco and Costa Coffee at Broadway Plaza, Five Ways into offices.
The plans also include proposals to refurbish, reclad and vertically extend the existing building.
The former shop unit is currently vacant following Tesco’s decision to pull the plug on the convenience store as part of its contraction in the market.
Colmore Tang, which has established a reputation giving perfectly good buildings a new lease of life, wants to try its hand again.
A design and access statement produced by Tamworth-based Building Design Group in support of the application, states: “The area surrounding the Five Ways Island is benefiting from a number of architectural regeneration projects such as the recent Park Regis Birmingham hotel (formerly Auchinleck House), One Hagley Road (formerly offices and now luxury apartments), Broadway Residencies (within site building) and new build residential schemes such as Landsdowne House.”
The latest proposals seek:
• The partial re-cladding of the building with a vertical extension.
• A design that reflects the new emerging architectural character within the area, including a contemporary ‘glass box’ material that intends to complement the retained existing fabric.
• To introduce a new use to the building that will promote employment and economic opportunities within the area.
The proposed scheme would use high quality contemporary materials to give the building a more modern feel.
The scheme may also incorporate external lighting to further enhance the building and its surroundings.
“The scale of the development is suitable within its context and responds harmoniously to the form and material aesthetics established by the new Park Regis Birmingham hotel on the opposite side of Broad Street,” adds the design statement.
At ground floor level there would be a mixture of open plan office space and individual office rooms as well as a meeting room, reception areas, kitchenette and a disabled toilet.
