Glenn Howells tapped for first flats in Paradise

Glenn Howells Architects has been asked to design a new residential tower for Birmingham’s Paradise redevelopment, Building Design understands.

The building, of around 40 storeys, is a build-to-rent project planned for the north of the city centre site which was until now entirely earmarked for office and retail space.

Argent, the developer, is expected to submit the tower to Birmingham planners by the year end. 

Rob Groves, Argent’s regional director, said: “This proposed change to the Paradise masterplan will enable the development to become truly mixed-use.

“The demand for very high-quality residential buildings alongside places where people work and spend their leisure time is critical to the long-term success and sustainability of major cities like Birmingham.”

The first two office blocks at the city centre site are at the point of completion.

Eric Parry Architects designed One Chamberlain Square, into which financial services giant PwC is currently moving 2,000 staff.

Two Chamberlain Square, designed by Glenn Howells, is all but finished, with law firm DLA Piper due to move in later this year.

Howells is also behind a third scheme at the site, One Centenary Way, which is being developed on the site of the old Adrian Boult Hall conservatoire. It is the first element of phase two of Paradise. This 13-storey scheme is set to complete in 2023.

The architect is behind two other high-rise towers in the city, a 42-storey build-to-rent block at 212 Broad Street for Moda Living and a 37-storey tower at Eastside Locks, near the planned HS2 station at Curzon Street, for Berkeley subsidiary St Joseph.