Two towers plan for ‘re-imagined’ Arena Central
A total of 526 build-to-rent apartments could be constructed near Birmingham’s central library, under plans lodged by Kier Properties.
Under proposals put forward this month, two residential towers would be built on the corner of Holliday Street and Bridge Street, spanning 30 and 17 storeys respectively.
The vacant, cleared site is the final remaining plot on the 1.2m sq ft city-centre Arena Central development, a master-planned mixed use scheme on the site of HSBC’s former UK headquarters.
Around 450 of the planned apartments are one- or two-bedroomed, with a smaller number of larger, three-bedroomed apartments proposed as part of the scheme.
The plans also include around 600 sq ft of commercial space at the ground floor of the smaller building.
Plans have been submitted for two towers on the remaining plots at Birmingham’s Arena Central development. Credit: TP Bennett via planning portal
“The development will deliver 526 new high -quality homes, part of a longer term ambition as part of the wider Arena Central masterplan, led by new high quality residential development,” said a supporting statement lodged with the application.
“The development will also make a valuable contribution to meeting Birmingham’s future housing needs.
“The proposals for Plots 4AC and 5AC at Arena Central deliver a well considered, high quality residential development that responds
positively to its prominent city centre location, the site’s challenging topography, and the evolving character of the wider masterplan.”
TP Bennett are architects for the scheme, while CBRE provided planning consultancy services for the application.
Documents and plans relating to the application can be found on Birmingham City Council’s planning portal under reference: 2026/01975/PA
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I’m both surprised and disappointed that they didn’t go for something much bolder in ambition considering it’s central and high profile position there. 30 and 17 stories, is so underwhelming. Much taller apartment towers are being built in Birmingham today, can’t help think it’s a missed opportunity to go high.
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