UK: A decision on the proposed five-tower development at Birmingham’s former Axis site has been postponed by the city’s planning committee.
The delay stems from concerns regarding affordable housing provisions and the overall housing mix within the project.
The £400 million scheme, currently under consideration by Birmingham City Council, is set to deliver nearly 900 new homes, over 700 student beds, a 200-room hotel, and a new public square.
If approved, the tallest building would reach 49 storeys, becoming one of the city’s highest residential towers.
Submitted by Regal Property Group and designed by Glancy Nicholls Architects, the plans aim to revive a long-neglected corner of central Birmingham through a mix of residential, student, and hospitality offerings arranged around a landscaped civic space.
The towers will include: a 49-storey mixed-use tower reaching 153 metres, a 39-storey residential building (123 metres), a 29-storey student accommodation tower (93 metres), a 19-storey residential building (63 metres) and finally a 10-storey hotel tower offering 203 serviced rooms for visitors.
The development is centred around a new public square intended to foster social activity and improve public realm access in the area. Planning officers have backed the project, saying it aligns with the city’s regeneration and housing targets.
Despite support from council officers, the plans have drawn objections from heritage groups due to the scale of the towers and potential visual impact on historic landmarks such as Chamberlain and Victoria Squares.
However, planners argue that Birmingham’s skyline already features tall buildings and the new additions would not significantly detract from conservation areas.
Environmental concerns have also been raised but are not considered sufficient to block the scheme. The council’s committee said it chose to postpone making a decision on the proposals due to the issues raised during its meeting.
