Plans for Arena Central, Britain’s highest skyscraper have received another setback today.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott was due to make a decision about plans for the £400m Birmingham scheme. However, Prescott has delayed his decision and officials speculate it could be another two weeks before the outcome of the scheme is announced.
Martin Field, director of Arena Central, a subsidiary of Hampton Trust, said: “Arena Central has a strategic role to play in Birmingham’s regeneration. It is therefore disappointing that the DETR has missed a second target date for the decision. We are still positive a decision will be forthcoming in the next two weeks.”
Controversy has surrounded the scheme, as London lobbyists have argued that Britain’s highest building should be in London, not Birmingham.
This is the second time a deadline has been missed, as a decision was originally due in January. The Broad Street development includes a 50-storey, City Tower, which is one storey taller than Canary Wharf in London.
Birmingham council has approved the project. And even though there were few objections, Prescott ruled last year he would have to make a decision on the scheme.
EGi 22/02/00
