Brindleyplace Birmingham : Architecture

11 Brindleyplace, Brunswick Square 2006- Glen Howells Architects 11 Brindleyplace image © Glen Howells Architects, from GHA 291106 for Argent Planning permission received Nov 2006 11 Brindleyplace - Building PR from Glen Howells Architects, 2 Nov 2006 Eleven Brindleyplace becomes a reality Regeneration specialist Argent has been granted planning permission to develop the final phase of its flagship development Brindleyplace. Eleven Brindleyplace, which comprises 107,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation with ground floor retail/leisure uses, has been given the green light by City officials. Located in Brunswick Square and adjacent to City Inn, the 12 storey building is the final element of the Brindleyplace vision and will stand at the gateway to the Estate. Gary Taylor, director of Argent, said: “We have been developing at Brindleyplace for the last decade, so to have secured planning for the final phase is a great feeling. Key to our success at Brindleyplace is delivering the highest standard of amenities in a safe and clean environment. Eleven Brindleyplace is key to our plans to take the Estate to the next level. “This building will deliver not only a different offer to existing space at Brindleyplace, but it is also very different to other schemes which are either available currently, under development or in the pipeline. Eleven Brindleyplace will break the mould of traditional office accommodation – throughout the design process we have worked to develop a unique building with smaller, more adaptable floorplates and occupiers will also be able to take advantage of a range of shorter, more flexible leases. The high specification accommodation will be complemented by a wider working environment that is second to none.” Work has started to clear the site, with the demolition of the former Hotel and Catering Academy. Designed by Glenn Howells Architects, the façade of the building will be made of bronze anodised aluminium framing with stone panelling while the whole building shall add a dynamic new layer to the estate. The building has a curved form that embraces the approach from Sheepcote Street as well as closing Brunswick Square, both completing the public square and creating its focal point. It comprises two distinct elements comprising a “tower” and “shoulder” element, and maintaining the Brindleyplace tradition, features a colonnade. Argent acquired the 0.21 acre site in 2005, which is the only remaining undeveloped land at Brindleyplace, from Birmingham City Council. It has subsequently formed a unique partnership will result in a profit sharing arrangement with the Council, enabling it to plough funds back into the city. As part of the planning agreement, Argent will be investing £150,000 into the Broad Street lighting strategy, which will significantly enhance the physical impact of the entertainment area. Brindleyplace is internationally recognised as a benchmark for urban regeneration and the construction of Eleven Brindleyplace will complete the final stage of development at the Estate. Facilities at already Brindleyplace comprise 1.1 million sq ft of office accommodation, 30 bars, restaurants and cafés as well as leisure and recreational amenities. Argent is also currently refurbishing Paradise Forum with a £2million programme of investment to significantly upgrade the city thoroughfare. Joint agents for Eleven Brindleyplace are GBR Property Consultants and GVA Grimley. 11 Brindleyplace - Building PR from Glen Howells Architects 291106