Details for 1,500-home Martineau Place towers revealed at launch

Plans to replace an ageing Birmingham shopping centre with a flagship residential-led development for the city have taken a step forward, after a public consultation was launched on the scheme this week.

A planning application for the demolition and replacement of Martineau Place is expected later this year, set to include detailed proposals for two buildings and landscaping along Union Street.

Sixth Street and Henley Investment Management lodged an initial pre-application request to demolish the 2.7-acre shopping centre between High Street and Corporation Street in February.

Regeneration plans for the site, which include up to 1,500 homes and 280,000 sq ft of office and retail space, formed a central pillar of the “Central Heart” regeneration scheme showcased by the city council in Cannes.

Martineau Place formed part of Birmingham’s Central Heart prospectus, launched at MIPIM earlier this year. Credit: WMCA

Fresh details were revealed at an in-person launch for the proposals at the former Pep&Co building this week, showing building heights across the scheme stepping down towards Corporation Street, which the developer says will help it blend in with the surrounding area.

“The proposals re-imagine Martineau Place as a new city centre destination, helping to connect HS2’s Curzon Street Station, Cathedral Square and the Colmore Business District,” said a spokesperson for Henley and Sixth Street.

“The scheme will help unlock the wider regeneration opportunities on Curzon Street and in the city centre, supporting new jobs, investment and economic growth.

“As a central pillar of Birmingham City Council’s Central Heart vision, which is expected to deliver around 5,000 new homes and create 8,000 new jobs, Martineau Place will serve as a vital catalyst for regional transformation.”

The consultation is now live at martineauplaceconsultation.co.uk