Plans to demolish the former Silver Blades ice rink in Birmingham city centre and replace it with an 11-storey apartment and retail complex look set to receive the green light next week.
City planners have been recommended to approve the application lodged earlier this year by London-based Bouygues Development and owner Hallmark Investments.
The joint venture, called Hallmark-BY Development, is seeking permission to demolish the existing, four-storey building at 73-75 Pershore Street and build 334 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 1,323 sq ft of ground floor retail space, ancillary gym and car parking.
Submitted plans originally had provision for 3,397 sq ft of commercial space and 336 apartments, according to council documents.
The building would comprise three wings in a 'H' shape to front Pershore Street and Dean Street and contain 266 one-bedroom and 68 two-bedroom flats.
Planning officers are seeking contributions totalling more than £540,000 towards off-site affordable housing and the enhancement and improvement of public realm at Centenary Square or Hippodrome Square.
A report prepared ahead of next Thursday's planning committee meeting said: "In principle, the proposed development is consistent with both local and national land use policies.
"An 11-storey building in this location is acceptable and the design is to a good standard."
The ice rink, then called Planet Ice, closed down in 2003 following a fire but reopened in 2010 as The Leisurebox where it also contained a bowling alley. It shut down permanently in May 2014.
