Network Rail is planning to build two skyscrapers on its £500m redevelopment of New Street station in Birmingham.
The not-for-profit organisation will start looking for developers for the two 30-storey towers first pictured here early next year.
The skyscrapers, which will provide up to 550,000 sq ft of space, will sit on either side of the proposed stairway into the new southern entrance to the train station.
Martin Chambers, programme director for New Street station at Network Rail, said one of the towers would be developed as residential apartments, with the other likely to be offices.
The plans are likely to be welcomed by the council, which is keen to change the city’s skyline. Clive Dutton, director of planning and regeneration at the council, said the skyline was “very modest at the moment”.
“The city centre is the engine room for the Midlands regional economy, and there is a great opportunity to produce tall buildings in the city core,” said Dutton.
Birmingham council is currently revising its planning policy framework as part of a 10-year masterplanning exercise intended to transform a 2,000-acre area within the city’s ring road.
The council is encouraging a cluster of tall buildings around Birmingham’s Broad Street and Arena Central areas.
Although New Street station would not be within the cluster, it would be close to it.
Network Rail wants to kickstart the development by bringing in £200m of private-sector investment for the south side of the project.
It has already received a number of approaches. Plans at this stage include a new public square as well as the two towers.
Subject to consent, which is due later this year, construction of the towers will start in early 2008, with completion scheduled for 2010.
References: EGi News 29/08/06
