Mark Glatman and James Howarth’s Abstract Land is to resurrect plans for a major mixed-use development at the stalled Great Charles Street site in Birmingham’s city centre.
Abstract Land has once again been chosen as the preferred developer for the prominent site. The appointment was approved at a Birmingham council cabinet meeting earlier this week, where members approved the revised conditional agreement with Abstract to redevelop the Ludgate Hill car park site.
Subject to the statutory “standstill” or “cooling” period ending at midnight tonight, the appointment will pave the way for the long-awaited, phased, 500,000 sq ft development on the two-acre site, which forms a link between the city’s central business district and the historic Jewellery Quarter.
Abstract, in a joint venture with Dandara, was originally appointed preferred developer in 2006. The duo paid more than £20m for the site and Abstract was to build the commercial element and Dandara the residential. Dandara is not involved with the project this time around and plans are being revised which will see the residential element and the originally proposed pedestrian bridge scrapped because of difficult market conditions.
Abstract hopes to submit an outline planning application next spring.
The Great Charles Street site has been granted enterprise zone status and forms a key part of the city’s Big City Plan.
Plans include improving pedestrian links between the city core and the Jewellery quarter and providing office and retail space set within newly created public realm. Transport links between the site and Snow Hill station will be improved and new parking facilities provided.
Abstract director James Howarth said: “We have had an interest in this site for a number of years and for a combination of reasons, including the announcement of our formal agreement with Birmingham city council, can now start in earnest to press ahead with our proposals for this site.
“As with any scheme, there are complexities and sensitivities, but at this early stage, our overarching aspirations are clear – to deliver the high quality redevelopment of this historically challenging site and to play our part in supporting the economic profile of the city.”
lisa.pilkington@estatesgazette.com
