New towers for Broad Street

Major plans for two towers on the site of what would have been Birmingham's tallest building were submitted in December.

Regal Property Group is proposing to build a 22-storey apartment block and an 18-storey 'Innside' hotel and restaurant on land off Broad Street.

The company was previously behind the £125 million Regal Tower - which was supposed to be more than 150ft taller than the BT Tower - but has brought a new scheme to the table under the name 'Left Bank'.

'Muncher' sees off old New Street

The demolition of parts of Birmingham's 1960s New Street station was a success story for West Midlands business, according to the £750 million project's director.

Birmingham demolition firm Coleman and Company and world-famous digger manufacturer JCB even made a concrete "muncher", specially designed with a low hydraulic arm to squeeze between New Street's levels.

Project director Chris Montgomery said: "This muncher was specially made for the project to get under the low roof. We needed a low vehicle but without losing the hydraulic power and they came up with this."

Conservatoire plans for Eastside

The future for the new £40 million Birmingham Conservatoire became clearer with new images showing how the Millennium Point building would look.

The purpose-built Conservatoire will be sited alongside Millennium Point, adjacent to Jennens Road in Eastside, after a move was forced by the new Paradise development. The Conservatoire, part of Birmingham City University, will open its doors to students in 2017.

JLR pay dispute breakthrough

A Christmas truce in a bitter pay row was on the cards at Jaguar Land Rover after the company tabled a new two-year offer.

Fears that industrial action could bring production to its knees receded after the vehicle maker revealed a revised deal was to go to a ballot with a recommendation for acceptance from Unite union.

The firm also backtracked on a £240 million hit on the pension fund which had caused widespread anger among many workers at Castle Bromwich, Solihull and elsewhere.

Shopping village dream for Edgbaston

A group of "high-quality" retailers offering goods not normally found on the high street could be heading to the Calthorpe Estate.

The plan was the latest phase of 'The Village' which is a regeneration project by property group and landowner Calthorpe Estates unveiled in 2013.

The group is aiming to create a vibrant community in the area around Greenfield Crescent with shops, houses, public space, leisure facilities and possibly a hotel.

This latest phase involves renovating four, street-level units at 16 - 22 Harborne Road in what were built as a pair of semi-detached houses in the 1870s and are now used as offices for several businesses.

Electric cinema fears after plans for nearby apartments

The oldest working cinema in the UK feared it could be forced out of business after plans were unveiled to turn the building next door into apartments.

The owner of the iconic Electric cinema, in Station Street, was worried noise pollution complaints from residents could lead to it shutting down.

The developer is Regal Property Group which has submitted the 'Left Bank' plans for Broad Street.