Plans have been submitted for 1,000 new homes in the heart of Birmingham city centre. 

Property developer Nikal, which was behind the Hive residential scheme, has submitted a revised planning application for Exchange Square in Eastside.

The plans were for 1,000 residential units across five buildings adjacent to the existing Hive and Masshouse apartment blocks.

The proposals include landscaped public realm, ground-floor retail units and a range of amenities for residents, including a gym, cafes and restaurants.

It follows a flurry of plans for new homes in the city including at One Hagley Road, the former Kettleworks in the Jewellery Quarter, former Harrison Drape building in Digbeth and Franklin House in Bournville.

Outline consent was initially granted by Birmingham City Council in December 2012 for the delivery of a commercially-driven mixed-use scheme at Exchange Square, with up to 600,000 sq ft of Grade A offices, ground floor retail and further space earmarked for a 200-bed hotel or residential element.

The amended application seeks to lift the limit of residential space permitted on the site from 150,000 sq ft to 700,000 sq ft, in response to a growing market demand for high quality accommodation within the city.

John Moffat, development director at Nikal, said: “We are expecting a shortfall of some 80,000 homes in Birmingham over the coming years and felt that rather than being commercially-drive, Exchange Square would provide the greatest benefit as a residential location.

“Our current planning consent already allows for 230 residential units however our hope is to develop a place that is a miniature neighbourhood in its own right. To that end, we are currently exploring the integration of a number of features that would help to create a sense of community within the development.

“We want Exchange Square to be recognised as an exemplar residential development, providing an attractive and welcoming environment that incorporates the latest technologies and amenities for residents.”