Wraps off for Birmingham’s new tallest building

Backed by Singaporean investor City Developments and delivered by MEPC, practical completion has been reached at the £110m Octagon, featuring 370 build-to-rent apartments across 49 storeys.

Midgard, a specialist in high-rise projects, was the main contractor, with Howells the architect. MEPC is the specialist development management arm of Federated Hermes.

Practical completion brings to an end a three-year construction programme on what is described as the world’s first pure octagonal residential skyscraper.

The 155m tower will be managed by Allsop, with the first residents set to move in this month. It features one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes and has become the city’s tallest structure, topping the BT Tower.

Neil McGinty, director at City Developments Ltd (CDL), said practical completion marks “another key chapter” for The Octagon, He added: “This moment underlines our commitment to Birmingham as a world-class, international destination with a strong regional economy and an exceptional future.

“The Octagon is moving Birmingham into a new era of city centre homes in terms of both quality and location. We’re offering some of the finest city centre homes ever seen in the UK and establishing a powerful narrative for the city. With a world-first design and highly sustainable ethos, The Octagon is already an important part of the city’s skyline.”

Midgard, part of the JRL Group, was the main contractor. Credit: via Core Marketing

The building is an integral part of Birmingham’s £1.2bn Paradise estate which has been developed by MEPC on behalf of its clients, becoming a mixed-use destination for the city. The building fulfils a long-held ambition for a statement tower at the northern gateway to the estate.

Amenities at The Octagon include a resident’s lounge, a private dining area, co-working spaces and a fully equipped gym, together with concierge services and a retail unit.

Ross Fittall, commercial development director at MEPC, said: “The practical completion of The Octagon marks another milestone moment not just for this building, but for the wider Paradise estate. Welcoming new residents to Paradise is a key achievement for all of us dedicated to creating a true mixed-use destination in the heart of the city.

“After more than three years of hard work, led by main contractor Midgard with a long list of local sub-contractors as well as a specialist supply-chain and professional team, including project managers Quantem, we can all now see how impactful The Octagon is to the city.”

The construction of The Octagon has involved hundreds of specialist workers achieving class-leading quality and finish to the final product.

Midgard is part of the JRL Group. Kevin Keegan, Midgard director, said: “Everyone who has worked on The Octagon is proud to have delivered this iconic landmark for the city. From utilising Modern Methods of Construction, supporting the local supply chain and working extensively with apprentices and trainees, this project has been a great example of collaborative working across the design, delivery and construction teams.”

With The Octagon complete, the Paradise masterplan now just has phase three to go, which should include two more commercial buildings and another public square.

Dav Bansal, partner at architect Howells, said: “This milestone moment for The Octagon underscores the building’s journey from just a bold idea that challenged the norm to becoming a superlative new home for hundreds of people in the civic heart of Birmingham. We are incredibly proud of the meticulous work we have put into this building and every innovation that has gone into delivering it.

“Paradise is about adding to the life and vitality of the city centre, and by providing 370 new healthy and spacious homes, we’re making the most of what the city has to offer.”