HSBC offers glimpse of how new bank will look

HSBC has offered people in Birmingham a glimpse of what its new offices in Arena Central will eventually look like when they open.

The completed building, set to be the headquarters of bank’s UK retail operation, will be home to up to 2,500 HSBC employees from early 2018.

Designed by Cube architect Ken Shuttleworth, of Make Architects, the building will be ten stories high and have three stories below ground.

The 9.2-acre Arena Central site, overlooking Centenary Square, is one of the most significant commercial developments in the city in recent years.

The bank has applied to Birmingham City Council for planning permission to install signage for HSBC UK around the roofline of the 210,000 sq ft building, which will be seen from all directions (see below).

The bank will also be bringing two new guardians to the offices in the form of cast lions who will take pride of place outside the main entrance to the offices off Broad Street.

Alongside 2 Arena Central, work is also taking place on the delivery of the site’s new, £10m public realm which will feature more than 50% soft landscaping.

Arena Central is being delivered by ACDL, a joint venture between Miller Developments and Pro Vinci Asset Management.