A Kuwaiti development firm is moving forward with plans to build Birmingham’s tallest office tower, as part of a £160m scheme.
Salhia KSC has detailed plans for two further phases of the Beorma Quarter regeneration scheme in the Digbeth district of the city, next to the Bullring shopping centre.
Phase one of the project, which cost over £18m, involved the refurbishment of the listed Cold Store, originally built in 1899, and its conversion into 20,000 sq ft of office space, as well as the construction of a 108-room Adagio aparthotel.
The newly announced phases two and three will cost another £140m and feature three new blocks including a 30-storey tower.
The overall mixed-use development will provide offices, residential, retail, restaurants, and a hotel. A new public square, Orwell Place, will be created at ground level, surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafés.
Construction is due to begin later this year and the scheme is entirely financed by Salhia.
Abdulaziz Al-Nafisi, deputy chief executive officer of Salhia said: "We’ve been investing in UK property for over 20 years, including the redevelopment of Farnborough town centre in Hampshire, working with joint venture partners such as St. Modwen Properties.
"Beorma Quarter will be our first stand-alone, UK project. With a focus on Birmingham because of HS2 and the Midlands engine, we think the development will be a great addition to the city and further boost the local economy in the Digbeth district."
Waheed Nazir, corporate director, economy, at Birmingham City Council, said: "The city is experiencing unprecedented levels of growth which is set to continue over the next 15 years. With transformational projects such as HS2, Commonwealth Games and Smithfield coming forward and bringing new investment, jobs and homes to an expanding city centre, we have come a long way in realising our ambitions as set out in the Big City Plan."
Image courtesy of Salhia KSC
