Developer Argent has unveiled plans to build the world’s tallest pure octagonal residential building in Birmingham
Paradise Birmingham is the public to find out more about ambitious plans to build the world’s tallest pure octagonal residential building.
Subject to planning permission, the proposals for the Octagon will see a 155m tall residential building built at the northern apex of the Paradise site – on land currently occupied by the 77 Paradise Circus Queensway office building.
Making the most of its location on the Birmingham ridge, Octagon’s collection of spacious homes will offer uninterrupted views across the city. The residential building will be a unique 346 home, 49-storey build-to-rent building.
It will also incorporate a number of affordable homes for rent as part of the overall mix of one, two and three-bedroom units. Further details on this will be considered in discussion with Birmingham City Council during the planning stage.
Rob Groves, regional director with Argent, said: “Our ambition with Octagon is simple – to build one of the finest apartment schemes ever seen in the UK.
“Everything about the building – its height, the size of the apartments themselves and their design, the views and the location in the city centre – will be a first.
“We want this building to really stand out which is why we have been working so hard behind the scenes with Glenn Howells Architects to come up with a very pure design that will create a true landmark capable of holding its own on the Birmingham skyline both now and in the future.
“It is also about creating a real experience for everyone who lives at Octagon. The unique shape of the building means the homes will be spacious and due to its landscape windows, height and position on the Birmingham ridge, every single home at Octagon will have spectacular views across the city.”
Public consultation
Argent, the development manager behind Paradise, will now be conducting an online public consultation exercise before working towards submitting planning for Octagon this summer.
If approved by Birmingham City Council, it is estimated Octagon, designed by Birmingham-based Glenn Howells Architects, could be completed by 2024.
Paradise is looking to submit a new planning application to introduce a residential element into the scheme. It is proposed that the remainder of the Paradise masterplan will be delivered in accordance with the outline planning permission and subject to detailed planning consent for each building.
The online consultation will run from 5 May, until 26 May.
Rob Groves, regional director with Argent, said: “It is vital we now invite people’s views through our online public consultation process as we move forward with our proposals and aim to submit for planning permission this summer.”
World-first
Dav Bansal from Glenn Howells Architects, commented: “We are hugely excited about delivering the first pure Octagonal residential tower in the world here in our hometown.
“This is not just a first for Birmingham and a new landmark on the city’s skyline, but it will be a distinct and instantly recognisable design offering homes of unparalleled individuality with every apartment enjoying a generous 13m facet of the Octagon, a first-ever for a residential product.
“The horizontal expression of the façade enables the internal rooms to open up to panoramic views of the city and residents will also enjoy access to a wellness centre, workout studios and private lounges. With a maximum eight apartments on a floor, the quality on offer is a perfect fit for Octagon.
“The setting within the city’s most ambitious mixed-use development gives Octagon a unique quality of life proposition and benefits from some amazing amenities. Paradise is about many things, including re-connecting the city and adding to the life and vitality of the city centre. By providing new homes here we are making the most of what Paradise has to offer as well as helping the city meet its housing needs with a bespoke offer.
“The approach for this design is straight forward: we want to create the finest city centre homes Birmingham, if not Britain, has ever seen, in a location that is simply unrivalled and in a building that is distinguishable for all the right reasons and become a part of this world-class destination.”
Birmingham’s skyline
Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, added: “Octagon is exactly the kind of world-class project that proves that Birmingham is open for business. Octagon will be a great addition to Birmingham’s skyline.
“The council is still facilitating the planning process by allowing developers to talk with officers online and I would encourage everyone to use the Octagon website to look at the information around this project and give their feedback.
“Paradise itself is an important landmark development for the city and the incorporation of a residential element will help bring this mixed-use scheme even further to life.”
