Birmingham is confident that Arena Central will be the highest building in the country.
Arena Central, a £300m spacecraft-style structure, topped with a long spike, could begin construction next year. Councillors appear confident John Prescott will give final permission.
It will be on a partly derelict 5.67ha (14 acre) site in Broad Street, the south side of the city’s Centenary Square. It will contain a 400-room hotel, offices and 100 flats, The rest of the site will have a plaza, shops and cafes under a glass roof.
The Guardian 01/10/98 page 2
