Birmingham’s office sector has been given another shot in the arm after a key city centre scheme was given the go-ahead.
Birmingham City Council’s planning department has unanimously backed the 240,000 sq ft Grade A ‘Lumina’ office block, in Snow Hill Queensway.
It follows progress at developments at nearby Peat House, Alpha Tower and One Snowhill.
Despite backing the new scheme, at the back of the Lloyd House police headquarters, councillors were concerned about the block creating a wind tunnel effect and called for tests ahead of construction.
However, developers M&G Real Estate and Sterling Property Ventures said they were pleased with the overall support.
Sterling PV spokesman James Howarth said: “The support shown for Lumina from the city council, Birmingham’s property industry and the wider business community demonstrates a clear understanding that the city needs high quality office accommodation if it is to compete on a national platform.
“With this consent secured, we can transform an eyesore and deliver a critical mass of commercial development in one the Big City Plan’s priority locations.”
Lumina was designed as a 15-storey building by Birmingham-based architect practice Aedas.
The tall glazed building will sit opposite the Snow Hill office developments.
Plans include the demolition of a derelict shopping parade and car park, known as The Strip. The scheme will also see a new pedestrian link around the building to Weaman Street.
The move follows an unprecedented period of activity in the city’s office market.
Late last year German investor Union Investment Real Estate completed the purchase of One Snowhill in a deal thought to be worth £125 million. That was followed by a green light for a £40 million tower block at Peat House on Livery Street in January.
The Post then revealed earlier this month that Alpha Tower, off Broad Street, had been taken over in a £14 million deal, with a £9 million Grade A conversion planned.
The Lumina development is more welcome news, although Coun Barry Henley raised fears the tall building would have a wind tunnel effect.
Coun Henley (Lab, Brandwood) called for planning officers and architects to carry out some wind-tunnel tests on models and if there was an issue consider a remedy.
He was otherwise complimentary of the design which he described as a ‘suitable building in this location’ and better than others previously given planning permission. He described the roof as ‘very attractive’.
But he warned: “I am a little bit concerned at the way all these tower blocks are close to one another, that it might generate a wind-tunnel effect.”
Planning officers have agreed to investigate the wind effect.
Meanwhile, the committee was unanimous in its support for the tower.
Coun Keith Linnecor said: “Unlike many buildings in the city centre area I actually quite like this design.”
