Birmingham's iconic Bullring development has been named as one of the 30 best heritage-led regeneration schemes in the country in an influential new book.

The development is praised in the English Heritage book called Shared Interest, as a new way of working and is described as "constructive conservation".

It says the flexible approach by developers, involving lots of early consultation, has demonstrated the benefit to both developers and conservationists of putting the historic environment at the heart of regeneration.

The Bullring, which will be lit up green tonight to mark St Patrick's Day, is the only city project named in the book, but other regional projects praised include Hereford Cathedral School and Compton Verney in Warwickshire.

Tim Johnston, English Heritage regional director for the West Midlands, said: "Selfridges and the Bullring is an exemplary scheme that shows what can be gained from seeing heritage as a positive asset.

"Uniting the finest old and new architecture secures the future of our most valuable buildings and improves quality of life for the people who live and work nearby. Schemes like this provide a further layer of heritage for the future "

The Very Rev Adrian Newman, now Dean of Rochester but former Rector of St Martin in the Bull Ring, said: "I was delighted at Selfridges' inventive and playful design.

"Both the church and this new consumer cathedral are architecturally uncompromising, but they complement each other wonderfully. It's a stunning juxtaposition."

Shared Interest is available free from English Heritage Customer Services on 0870 333 1181.