BIRMINGHAM | Projects & Construction

[Brummyboy92]

Birmingham is the second city of the United Kingdom. It is located in the west midlands and has a population just over one million.

Now recently Birmingham has been under going major changes to make it a more attractive place, for people who live there and for the people who are visiting.
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Now heres a couple of pics of Birminghams current skyline.
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/000-8.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/001-6.jpg

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Under construction
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Snow Hill development
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/005-1.jpg
Helight-Highest building 138m
Floors-40
Status-Under construction

Peat house
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/00-6.jpg
Height-60m
Floors-14
Status-Under construction

11 Brindley place
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/0003-1.jpg
Height-60m
Floors-14
Status-Under construction

Digbeth coach station
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/0004-1.jpg
Height-?
Floors-3
Status-Under renovation

The Cube
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/004-1.jpg
Height-72m
Floors-17
Status-Under construction

Edgebaston galeries
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/006-1.jpg
Height-73m
Floors-17
Status-Under construction

Masshouse
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/007-1.jpg
Height-Highest 110m
Floors-?
Status-Block M under construction, other blocks awaiting approval.

Curzon gateway
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/008-1.jpg
Height-36m
Floors-12
Status-Under construction

I-Land
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/010-1.jpg
Height-?
Floors-10
Status-Under construction

Fort Dunlop
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/Birmingham1-1.jpg
Height-?
Floors-7
Status-Near completion

Birmingham super hospital
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/gch.jpg
Height-63m
Floors-14
Status-Under construction

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Approved
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The V tower
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/SeaWorld1.jpg
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/dgdg.jpg
Height-152m
Floors-50
Status-Approved

Martineau galleries
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/img001-1.jpg
Height-110m
Floors-30
Status-Approved

Broad street tower
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/bbcxb.jpg
Height-134m
Floors-38
Status-Approved

City park gate
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/009-1.jpg
Height-84m
Floors-28 storeys
Status-Approved

Curzon Park Masterplan
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/fvzxff.jpg
Height-
Floors-
Status-Approved

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Proposed
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New street train station redevelopment scheme
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/000-6.jpg
Height-?
Floors-?
Status-Proposed

Beorma quater
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/jnjnujbujb.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/jbjhbuhjbn.jpg
Height-90m
Floors-30
Status-Proposed

VTP-200
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/0000-4.png

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/0002-1.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/002-4.jpg
Height-200m
Floors-10
Status-Prposed

NO 1 Snow Hill
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/Cardiff2-1.jpg
Height-118m
Floors-29
Status-Proposed

Natwest tower replacment
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/dzgfdzagtag.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/fdzfsz.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/sdgsdg.jpg

Height-137m/165m
Floors-28
Status-Proposed

Edgbaston cricket ground
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/Cardiff1-1.jpg
Height-?
Floors-?
Status-Proposed

City of Birmingham stadium
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/Birmingham2-1.jpg
Height-?
Floors-?
Status-This is the previous design including the super casino, however plans were scrapped because the super casino was not allowed, awaitng new design.

St Georges House
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/hjvgvuvy.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/hvgvgvbh.jpg
Height-75+m
Floors-25
Status-Proposed

Pentavia
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/dgdcz.jpg
Height-Unsure
Floors-25
Status-Proposed

YMCA Redevelopment
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/fggdxfgdfxgx.jpg
Height-Unsure
Floors-Unsure
Status-Proposed

And heres a future skyline render of Birmingham done by Van Heckler.
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/img002-2.jpg

There are many, many more projects under construction, approved and proposed in Birmingham and many more to come in 2008, such as Regal tower, Lancaster circus tower etc etc. I look foward to this year for Birmingham as 2008 will be the best year yet.

Also on my signature can you follow the link and sign the petition to improve one of Birminghams most ugliest train stations.:banana:

[city_thing]

Some of those projects are great, especially V Tower and The Cube.

I was just wondering, what's the actual population of Brum? I know you said 1m, but that's only the city proper isn't it? What's the population of greater Birmingham? Surely it's bigger than that...

[Telfordboy]

There are around 2.5 million in the metro area.

[wiggleyleeds]

its almost as big as manchester UK if you're looking at the metro area

:poke:

[El_Greco]

I really like City Park Gate.When its going to start construction?

[wiki]

SNOW HILL DEVELOPMENT AND V TOWER ARE REALLY GREAT. I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT MANCHESTER WAS THE SECOND CITY IN ENGLAND.

[Telfordboy]

its almost as big as manchester UK if you're looking at the metro area

:poke:

Maybe, but much bigger than Leeds, as is Liverpool :poke:

[wiggleyleeds]

Maybe, but much bigger than Leeds, as is Liverpool :poke:

not according to official eurostat metro areas, or demographia stats, or government defined 'UK primary urban areas such as below. anyway, its all subjective and depending on how one measures. My point is, to brandish Brum as the UK's 2nd largest city is a slight misconception of the truth - perhaps "arguabley"or "hotly contested" as the 2nd largest city would have been more appropriate.

Official Eurostat Urban Audit Metro Areas:

London - 11,624,807
Manchester - 2,512,300
Leeds-Bradford - 2,360,655
Birmingham - 2,335,652
Glasgow - 1,749,154
Liverpool - 1,362,004
Sheffield - 1,264,698
Bristol - 983,873
Cardiff - 826,097
Newcastle upon Tyne - 795,169

[Accura4Matalan]

I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT MANCHESTER WAS THE SECOND CITY IN ENGLAND.

You thought correctly. Manchester is the second city in England ;)

[mbuildings]

stunning!

[mikey23]

You thought correctly. Manchester is the second city in England ;)

Keep telling yourself that:tongue4:

[GrAfiK_248]

Great development round up brummy boy :okay:

^^ don't listen to accura lol

[Brum X]

Birmingham is officially the UKs second city, and thats that. We are not bothered about the metro area, just about the city. Its about time more people knew this and stopped messing around. As usual Mr Wiggley has to troll onto other cities forums and start some debate about something which is not connected to this subject. This is not supposed to be about whether Birmingham is or isnt the second city, its about projects and the current construction in the city and about somebody who is interested with what goes on in Birmingham and wants to tell other people about it. This is nothing to do with Manchester or leeds. Its all about BIRMINGHAM

[Brummyboy92]

Greatly said, now I just thought I would let everyone know that New Street train station is undergoing another redevelopment, so the render above will change.

[Brum X]

Great news for the City of Birmingham today as the government have finally rubber stamped 400million of cash to totally rebuild Birmingham New Street station in the heart of the city centre. Work is scheduled to start in 2009 and the first phase to be open in 2011 with the second phase ready in 2013. More pictures to follow in the next few weeks with what the new station will look like, so keep your ears peeled:banana:

[SimsPlanet2]

Great city!

[hoody]

Can we get this back on track rather than the my city is bigger than your city crap.
Everytime this happens.

[jayo]

Great developments! :)

[Brum X]

And is the second biggest city in the country, the big word is "city" not "metro".

[1878EFC]

Cool, the V Tower and Cube look smart. I also like the Snowhill development which will change the skyline.

[Brummyboy92]

I have updated the development list, there are new designs as well as new towers and plenty more to come!

[skytrax]

beautiful

[Brummyboy92]

Thanks for the comment, I wish more people would comment on this thread!

[berkshire royal]

those projects look great nice to see another city within the UK developing into a top class city. I especially like the work done in the centre of birmingham the bull ring is one of my favorites.

[Dale]

I've always been somewhat fascinated with Brum.

[Brum X]

Me too, becouse its a great place. No matter how much people run the city down, Birmingham is a very unique city and we love it. :)

[Brummyboy92]

Thanks for the comments and as for the two above comments, I dunno I have always felt Birmingham is missing out on the big city feel, I dunno why I feel this way though!

[Brum X]

I never undrstand why people say that, i think Birmingham has a very "big" city style to it. Strangers to the city would always say that Birmingham is a big city. I also went out in Brum last saturday evening and everywhere from the main shopping area, through to centenary square and Brindleyplace and the canal areas around the mailbox and even the arcadian/Hurst street were all hustle and bustle and very good to see in the current climate. All the bars were busy or very busy. And when the city centre spreads out further to eastside, then i think more and more people will see this.

[JamesFab]

Nice plans for Birmingham...

[jayo]

The designs for New street station have been released.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x13/mikeyfox23/Buildings/Eastern_view_from_Bullring_night1.jpg

In large
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x13/mikeyfox23/Buildings/Southern_view.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x13/mikeyfox23/Buildings/View_from_South_West.jpg

And heres the site.
http://www.newstreetnewstart.co.uk/

Also,remember that the tower element of the scheme is still in the process of design. :cheers:
I love it.

[Brum X]

I also love it, its a great addition to the city and im going to give it 10/10:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

[Brummyboy92]

Great design, and is just amazing.

This will be just as iconic as Selfridges. Another iconic landmark to add to the list of up coming attractions in Brum. The Cube, VTP200 and now New street train station.

Lets hurry up and get it built!

[Brummyboy92]

Guess nobody likes Birmingham!

[Brum X]

We need to spread the word a little bit more i think, Brummyboy. We need to be shouting from the roof about this development and tell the rest of the world that this first class design is for once not in our capital city which has far too much coverage on the world stage but in the second city of the United Kingdom. :banana:

[Brummyboy92]

Ok I will get to work on it!

[jayo]

Come on.
This is pathetic.
More comments please. :D
All the people on this forum are interested in are bloody supertall towers.

[GaryinSydney]

Its bloody beaut - very Zaha Hadid - and exactly what New St Stn needs -a total makeover.

Hope it gets built and quickly - even goes well with Selfridges bldg.:banana:

[Brum X]

Thats a very good point Jayo in London, i have told my fellow forumers in Birmingham to get making more comments about developments in our city. It also proves that people from around the world are interested in what is going on in this city, just needs more people to get the message across that this city is forward thinking and can make proposals like the redevelopment of New Street Station a reality.

[Telfordboy]

I think its fantastic, a 200% improvement on the current station. Hopefully it will lead to some public realm enhancements in the vicinity of the station as well.

[van heckler]

It's a beautiful design. New Street will become one of the best train stations in the country instead of being one of the worst.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/flipper828/animated%20gifs/smilies/2jump.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/flipper828/animated%20gifs/smilies/2jump.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/flipper828/animated%20gifs/smilies/2jump.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/flipper828/animated%20gifs/smilies/2jump.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/flipper828/animated%20gifs/smilies/2jump.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/flipper828/animated%20gifs/smilies/2jump.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/flipper828/animated%20gifs/smilies/2jump.gif

[rob_right]

I think we need pictures of the interior renders as these are simply stunning!

The 'Rib Cage' as it has already been christened!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2867941374_54f48e6a43.jpg?v=0

http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/09/18/look-at-future-of-new-street-video/

[Brum X]

:banana:

[ultraviolet]

Loving the inside, this is going to make a huge difference to the city centre. With the New Street towers and a possible four more along Smallbrook Queensway we'll have quite a 'downtown' area developing :banana:

[rob_right]

A fantastic cathedral of a space on this fly through! Will be world class when built!

http://www.advantagewm.co.uk/Images/New-Street-fly-through_tcm9-14718.MPG

[jayo]

Nice flythrough.
Although i really do think alot of those horrible midrise concrete blocks need to be done up.
And a few really outstanding pieces of architecture would great.Would really put it on the map.

Annddd,i was reading a 2006 dated article on skyscrapernews that suggested the towers could be anywhere between 130 and 180 metres tall.I don't know if that still applies to this,but its interesting to know.

[Brummyboy92]

Oh yeah I forgot about the four rumoured towers for small brooke queensway! OMG in say 2014 Birmingham will be amazing, I say 2014 cause I think we need to get the 2012 figure out of our heads.

And hopefully the twin towers will be like 250m, lol.

[jayo]

103 Colmore row has finally been approved :cheers:
A bitterly-contested proposal to build a 35-storey tower in the historic heart of Birmingham city centre has been approved after a council official warned politicians not to “bottle out” by rejecting the scheme.
The NatWest building on the corner of Colmore Row and Newhall Street.

Regeneration director Clive Dutton insisted investors across the world were watching to see whether councillors would back British Land’s application to build the £150 million glass-fronted office block on the site of the former NatWest tower in a conservation area on the corner of Colmore Row and Newhall Street.

In a highly unusual intervention, Mr Dutton admitted he was addressing the planning committee meeting “in a manner that you would not normally expect from me”.

He said there was so much riding on the decision in terms of investor-confidence in Birmingham that he had a duty to speak frankly.

The scheme will create more than 3,000 full and part time jobs and represents a shot in the arm for the city at a time when global economies are suffering a severe downturn, Mr Dutton added.

He continued: “The full ramifications of the current economic crisis are as yet unknown, but are likely to be severe making it far more challenging for cities in this country to create jobs. The growth of the finance and professional services sector has been a great success story for Birmingham and we must do everything we can to ensure that growth continues.
Artist's impression of the new tower to replace the NatWest building in Birmingham

“It is not an exaggeration to say that the eyes of international markets are on Birmingham, particularly because we have already created uncertainty by deferring this application earlier in the year. Investors at home and abroad would say we had bottled out if this application was rejected.”

Even with the benefit of his passionate plea, the result of the committee’s deliberations was perilously close.

Members voted to approve the British Land scheme by seven votes to six.

Liberal Democrat councillors voted against, declaring the design to be out of keeping with neighbouring Victorian buildings including the Council House, Town Hall and St Philip’s Cathedral.

They were supported by the Victorian Society and the 20th Century Society, which described the tower as an “abomination”, although the Birmingham Civic Society took a more restrained view and said it was broadly pleased with the design.

The NatWest Tower, built in 1972, described by Mr Dutton as one of the ugliest buildings in Birmingham, will be demolished with work to clear the site expected to begin by the end of next year. The new structure is likely to be completed by 2013.

Mr Dutton added: “Colmore Row is the heart of Birmingham’s financial district and it is my view that the building proposed for this site is perfectly acceptable. It will be a stunning addition at the beautiful heart of our city.

“It removes a building that tarnishes the conservation area and replaces it with something much better.”

Planning officer Simon Hodge, who recommended approval, praised the tower’s “high-quality contemporary design”.

The visual impact on surrounding buildings would be outweighed by economic benefits, he added.

The Colmore Row project represents British Land’s first tower development outside of London. The company has a £2.6 billion land bank for investment across the country and has already spent £30 million on preparing the Birmingham planning application.

British Land spokesman Rob Samuel said: “We are delighted to have achieved resolution to grant consent. We’ve listened to feedback from local stakeholders and are very appreciative of the support shown in many quarters.

“We have put a great deal of thought and investment into giving Birmingham distinctive building which meets its aspirations.”

At 441ft, the new tower will be one of the tallest buildings in the city centre.

Its position, on the highest point of the Birmingham ridge, means it will be clearly visible for miles around.

Some pictures of it.it'll be 132 metres tall and 160 to the spire. :banana::banana::banana:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/dzgfdzagtag.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/fdzfsz.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb105/jaybuoy/sdgsdg.jpg

[ultraviolet]

Been a good week for Brum :banana:

[Brum X]

Some more fantastic news for our fantastic city:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Mover over Manchester, its now Birminghams turn to shine

[Crash2010]

Great looking tower. Congrats! :D

[ultraviolet]

Snippet of an article courtesy of U457 Foxtrot

British Land has this week won planning permission for a £150 million tower in Colmore Row, and made it clear that it expects to begin building within two years. And next month Whitby will go to Kuwait where he hopes to confirm plans by Sahlia Investments for a £150 million 26-storey tower at Digbeth.


and here it is,

and to remind us :)

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5439BeormaQuarter_pic1.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1558BirminghamsBeormaTowerGetsTheHorne_pic1.jpg

http://www.trevorhorne.com/images/projects/Beorma_Mixed_Use/06.jpg

http://www.trevorhorne.com/images/projects/Beorma_Mixed_Use/03.jpg

http://www.trevorhorne.com/images/projects/Beorma_Mixed_Use/05.jpg

http://www.trevorhorne.com/images/projects/Beorma_Mixed_Use/02.jpg

[Brum X]

That looks like a nice little project if it goes ahead, im sure it will if Kuwaiti investors are involved. That area past Selfridges does need redevelopment in keeping with Bullring shopping centre/Selfridges. Also nice to see more people putting stuff on here about the city.

[Brummyboy92]

Great news about the Natwest replacment and fingers crossed for the Beroma quater redevelopment!

[jonovision]

Anyone have any updates on the Cube project?

[ultraviolet]

A recent update from Citygent

Here's the photos from tonight - it's well lit now....

http://trainonthebrain.googlepages.com/1809cu1.jpg

http://trainonthebrain.googlepages.com/1809cu2.jpg

http://trainonthebrain.googlepages.com/1809cu3.jpg

http://trainonthebrain.googlepages.com/1809cu4.jpg

http://trainonthebrain.googlepages.com/1809cu5.jpg

http://trainonthebrain.googlepages.com/1809cu6.jpg

http://trainonthebrain.googlepages.com/1809cu7.jpg

http://trainonthebrain.googlepages.com/1809cu8.jpg

[ultraviolet]

Courtesy of Van Heckler

No1 Snow Hill Plaza on the left, and the two under construction Snow Hill Hotel and Resi towers on the right.

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j129/van_heckler/1-20.gif

[Brummyboy92]

The future is bright for brum, and lets just hope HSR gets approved and construction starts as soon as it can!

[jayo]

That looks buff!

Lets hope some taller projects are proposed for that area.

[SuomiPoika]

Great projects! Now get rid of those horrible concrete blocks!

[city_thing]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x13/mikeyfox23/Buildings/Eastern_view_from_Bullring_night1.jpg

I wonder how often the sign is going to say 'on time' for every arrival/departure :)

I hate to sound like a pessimist, especially about such an awesome and sorely needed building, but I can just imagine 'delayed' and 'cancelled' all over it....

[Brum Knows Best]

The train will never be on time but hopefully the project will go full steam ahead

[Gherkin007]

I suppose that would be funny if there were steam engines in New Street Station. Which isn't a bad idea at all. The beauty of steam trains if that they're never on time, but they smell nice and look great whether they're steaming along a viaduct or simply parked in a station.

Brum council really need to get a move on with this project... It could be even more an important project than the Bullring for Birmingham.

[jayo]

Is will be.
The state of the station today is awful!

I'm really eager to see renders for the tower element. :D
Are they going to be designed by foreign office aswell?

[i_like_concrete]

You're being pretty optimistic in assuming the screen itself will work.

[Gherkin007]

It'll probably just have adverts for starbucks and 'donald's.

[Brum X]

That will be great if it does, Birminghams own Piccadilly Circus light show.:)

[Brummyboy92]

Yeah the screen on the front of the station looks amazing, very unique and orginal!

[jayo]

A new tower proposed for a site on Broad street,opposite broad street tower(Which is shit)
People on the forum,believe it to be in the region of 180-210 meters with its facade overrun. Its hard to tell from the renders.

http://s244306752.websitehome.co.uk/images/left_bank_images.jpg

http://s244306752.websitehome.co.uk/images/tower_night_image.jpg

From the website

Situated at the entrance to the award-winning Brindleyplace, Regal Tower will be one of the most exciting new developments in the UK.

This iconic 50-storey £200 million mixed use tower, will be one of the tallest buildings in the UK outside London.

The lower half of the tower will house a luxury hotel incorporating conference, dining, retail and health and fitness facilities.

A 54th floor 'Sky Bar' is also planned with outside terracing, to provide panoramic views over the city.

The remainder of Regal Tower will house approximately 300 luxury apartments and penthouses, ideally suited to investors and those working in the city.

Work is due to start in 2009, with the hotel scheduled to open by mid 2012, in time for the Olympics. The entire scheme is due to complete by late 2012.

[Newcastle Guy]

Easily the best tower planned for Brum. Hope it happens.

[Brummyboy92]

Amazing tower, lets just hope it gets approved and construction starts next year!

[Brum X]

A great Skyscraper proposal from Birmingham, also hope it gets built.

[Sandblast]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y281/gherkin007/regalbitch.jpg

It will look great, right at the entrance to the city centre :)

[jayo]

of all the renders to post. :P

[Sandblast]

of all the renders to post. :P

I know!! It's really 'cack' ..... but all the others have just vanished .....? :)

[jayo]

There on my other post,but there not showing up :|

[Gherkin007]

I know!! It's really 'cack' ..... but all the others have just vanished .....? :)

Sandblast! I spent 40 days and 40 nights on that render :bash: :lol:

So the whole World Forum sees my "render" that was only produced to illustrate the site of the tower. The renders + website disppeared because the tower wasn't ready to be seen by the press yet. It'll be back as soon as it's officially proposed. If you give me a few months I could probably knock up another "render" ;p

[Sandblast]

Sandblast! I spent 40 days and 40 nights on that render :bash: :lol:

So the whole World Forum sees my "render" that was only produced to illustrate the site of the tower. The renders + website disppeared because the tower wasn't ready to be seen by the press yet. It'll be back as soon as it's officially proposed. If you give me a few months I could probably knock up another "render" ;p

No, no Gherkin, I wasn't slating your render, more to do with the rest of the image :)

Here's another one.........

http://eastsideblog.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/tower_night_image.jpg?w=400&h=450

[Brummyboy92]

Thats the best render, does anyone know if this will be a full circle or an oval shape!

[Gherkin007]

^^ Your guess is as good as anyone's. It looks suspiciously thin from that angle - have a look at van heckler's interpretation of the scheme:

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j129/van_heckler/1-23.gif

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j129/van_heckler/4-16.gif

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j129/van_heckler/2-21.gif

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j129/van_heckler/3-21.gif

Very nice!

[Brummyboy92]

Oh wow never seen the last one, the BT tower will not even be noticiable in the future, that is amazing if Brum turns out there, is anything missing there I cant see Beorma or St georges or new street towers!

[Dominikk]

Wow! These look amazing. Birmingham will look great in the future.

[Brum X]

Lets hope they all get built or even some of them would be nice. Great work:)

[ultraviolet]

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g151/iceman14141414/P1020243.jpg

103 Colmore Row and V will look amazing from here, Snow Hill Towers will be just out of shot to the right as will VTP200, Regal Tower and Broad Street Tower will fill the gap between Birmingham and Five Ways nicely :)

[Brum X]

Birmingham will have a truly first class skyline, unlike other british cities which i have to say from a distance look like small towns, some of them

[jayo]

apart from London of course ;)

[Brum X]

And London, Of course. I meant to say other British cities with the exemption of London.

[Gherkin007]

and Liverpool of course ;)

[Brum X]

Liverpools skyline is very good close up, but from the same distance that the Birmingham skyline was taken, Liverpool, in my opionion is not very good.

[london lad]

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g151/iceman14141414/P1020243.jpg

103 Colmore Row and V will look amazing from here, Snow Hill Towers will be just out of shot to the right as will VTP200, Regal Tower and Broad Street Tower will fill the gap between Birmingham and Five Ways nicely :)

Looks very similar to Croydon & its future skyline in that pic.

http://i34.tinypic.com/fw5bgh.jpg

[SnowyBoy1]

^^ Ha ha! I (a Croydon boy) was saying the very same thing to a Brummie forumer a few months back. Croydon is like a mini Birmingham!

**edit** Having visited Birmingham back in February, I've got to say that it feels so different to any other British city that I've been to (well, except for Croydon!). It feels more like a US city in many ways, with a distinctly 20th century flavour, built for the car, not the pedestrian. Unfortunately, the city doesn't really have a historic core anymore, as much of the city centre was redeveloped in the 60s. However, I've heard that the Jewellery Quarter is very nice.

The best thing about Birmingham is that it has so much potential. Because there's not much of the old city left and there's already so many highrises, Birmingham is probably the only city in the UK which is capable of having a vast skyline, which stretches across it's entire city centre.

If London is Amsterdam, the historic capital, then Birmingham is Rotterdam, it's brash highrise counterpart.

[Gherkin007]

^^ You've said some nice things about Brum there, but I disagree that it wasn't built for the pedestrian. I've can spend all day in Birmingham without crossing a road. All of the main shopping areas are traffic free, and it's a joy walking from New Street Station to the NIA/Sealife Centre without seeing but a hint of a car. Once you stray away from the centre there are roads of course, but the centre has always been praised for it's pedestrain areas and streetscape.

[SnowyBoy1]

^^ You've said some nice things about Brum there, but I disagree that it wasn't built for the pedestrian. I've can spend all day in Birmingham without crossing a road. All of the main shopping areas are traffic free, and it's a joy walking from New Street Station to the NIA/Sealife Centre without seeing but a hint of a car. Once you stray away from the centre there are roads of course, but the centre has always been praised for it's pedestrain areas and streetscape.

Ok, perhaps I'm giving the wrong impression of Brum, of course there are large parts of the city centre which are fully pedestrianized, but I'm talking more about the areas just outside of the centre (which isn't that big), like Masshouse, which is a large network of roads with slim highrise buildings squeezed into the small gaps between the roads. Somehow it feels like the buildings are playing second-fiddle to the roads. Also, Birmingham's roads seem a lot wider than those in London, because they were custom-built back in the 60s, wheres most of the roads in and around the centre of London are older and therefore a lot narrower.

Perhaps I've not seen enough of the city but to me, Birmingham felt a bit like how I imagine LA or Houston to feel, big wide roads, little in the way of grand architecture and plenty of highrise buildings and I don't mean that in a snobby way. Birmingham is what it is and it's the only city of it's type in the UK and as I've said before it has a lot of potential because there are fewer old buildings and sightlines to protect, which has always been a problem for London.

Buildings like the Cube are exactly what Birmingham needs - flashy 21st-century landmark architecture and and I look forward to visiting the city again 5-10 years from now to see how the city's changed.

[jayo]

New renders of the V building!

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x12/Stigathus/Random%20Stuff/V-Building2008.jpg


http://i37.tinypic.com/ic8ydy.jpg

[ultraviolet]

Nice, like the blueish tint, looking forward to this one.

[Brummyboy92]

Yep its preety stunning.

Heres the latest construction photos from the Cube site, thanks to Ginger Tosser.
Few from today...

http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_159.jpg

http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_160.jpg

http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_161.jpg

http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_162.jpg

http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_163.jpg

http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_164.jpg

http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_165.jpg

http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_166.jpg

[SnowyBoy1]

^^ Is that Bobby Ball in the second photo?

[ultraviolet]

:lol::lol:

Looks like Bruce Forsythe's joined him in the 3rd from bottom.

[SnowyBoy1]

:lol: Good game, good game!

[ultraviolet]

Update of the Cube courtesy of Ginger Tosser, one of the cranes has been raised :)




http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_167.jpg

http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_168.jpg

http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_169.jpg

http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_170.jpg

http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_171.jpg

http://www.scphoto.co.uk/pages/galleries/buildings/pictures/thecube_172.jpg

[jayo]

And heres what it'll look like. :)
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc273/jayo_011/TheCube.jpg

[Brum X]

Im loving the new renders of the V Building, really hope this tower is not delayed for years and years to come. Hopefully within a year or two, construction should start.

[ultraviolet]

Think I remember reading this was on hold till Easter 09 so maybe we'll hear more news then, hopefully good :)

[cristof]

is the new station ready to be built? she's gorgeous and the lcd display is great.

[Brummyboy92]

It has not gone in for planning yet, im not sure when its going in but it will most likley get approved abd hopefully construction can begin end of 2009!

[ultraviolet]

New angle of Pentavia, the tallest part is estimated in the region of 80m

thanks to Grafik

anyone else seen this render of Pentavia. guess its the other side of Auchinleck house.

its on the pdf http://www.westsidebirmingham.co.uk/pdfs/Westside_Pentavia.pdf

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t279/GrAfiK248/pentavia.jpg

the original Broad St view

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/Biosonic/Renders/Pentavia.jpg

[ultraviolet]

V.T.P. 200 new render, courtesy of Bio

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a264/Biosonic/Renders/VTP.jpg[/QUOTE]

Updated website

http://www.vtpglobal.com/

[ultraviolet]

City Park Gate update from Bio

News Update
The City Park Gate Development now has its own web site.





A major gateway into Eastside


Outline planning permission has been granted for City Park Gate, the second stage of development in Eastside to use land cleared by the demolition of the elevated Masshouse Circus and the creation of the Moor Street Queensway bus mall. The project will occupy the area bordered by Moor Street Railway Station, the Bullring, Martineau Galleries and the proposed Eastside City Park.

This scheme is a mixed-use development totalling over one million sq ft (approx 93,700 sq m) and will create a major gateway into Eastside, the Birmingham’s new learning, technology and heritage quarter.

Designed by architects MAKE, who have experience of designing advanced, complex and iconic buildings – such as The Cube, the final phase of Birmingham's Mailbox development – the scheme incorporates buildings as tall as 84m (approximately 23 stories).





An attractive new urban area


The City Park Gate masterplan aims to create an attractive new urban area, one reflecting the landscape of the site by stepping down from the city centre edge towards Eastside City Park and Millennium Point.

City Park Gate will include:

844 apartments;

300,332 sq ft (27,900 sq m) of office space;

99,031 sq ft (9,200 sq m) of retail space;

a 150,699 sq ft (14,000 sq m) hotel;



as well as cafés, bars and restaurants that serve to create a lively area throughout the day, week and year.





Sustainable city centre development


City Gate Park is intended to be an example of sustainable city centre development and high quality design, supporting regeneration in the area, and creating up to 730 jobs.

In the words of MAKE:

Environmentally progressive design is delivered by a holistic sustainable approach which balances economic, social and physical impact. The principal environmental strategy has been to consider the balance of energy consumed over the development's entire life - in construction, in use and in the lifestyle choices it allows - and adopt passive design strategies that reduce the requirement for energy consumption.





Creating a vibrant central place


City Park Gate will add to the diversity and attractions in the city centre, creating a vibrant central place between Moor Street Station and Eastside City Park.

Emphasis will be given to create a safe, accessible and attractive environment for all groups in the community, with accessible major pedestrian routes, cycle routes, and opportunities for recreational activities.

and a new website with a funky video on :)

http://www.cityparkgate.com/

[poshbakerloo]

the future skyline looks set to be good

[wolkenbestormer]

@ Snowyboy1

Thanx for the nice word about Rotterdam. Seems both Birmingham and Rotterdam wil get a cube :)