A public consultation is set to take place on Thursday, July 16, to discuss plans to demolish a large section of Birmingham's High Street, including Martineau Place, to make way for a new skyscraper development. The event will be held at the Pep & Co store on Corporation Street from 1pm to 6pm.
Plans for the Skyscraper
Henley Investment Management and Sixth Street have sought permission to redevelop the 1.143-hectare site between Bull Street, High Street, Union Street and Corporation Street. The proposed residential scheme includes 2,000 new homes, commercial floor space for offices and retail, and a new public realm with ecological enhancements. The skyscraper would reach a maximum height of 60 storeys, surpassing Birmingham's current tallest building, The Octagon, which has 49 floors.
Impact on Local Businesses and Services
The plans would affect a GP surgery with 17,789 registered patients, Martineau Place shopping centre, the Staybridge Suites hotel, and branches of CEX, Savers, Burger King, Poundland and Boots. Current tenants at Martineau Place include Fallout Clothing, which relocated there after losing its permanent pitch at Oasis Market, and Merlin's Cafe Bar. A Fallout Clothing staff member told BirminghamLive that the news of another potential move had caused fresh worry.
Transformation of the High Street
Should the plans proceed, the top end of the High Street would be transformed forever. The neighbourhood is already undergoing significant change with the demolition of The Square, a shopping centre that housed the 54-year-old Oasis Market and businesses such as B&M. More details about the development are expected to be released on the day of the consultation, with a dedicated website going live to share further plans.
The public consultation invites businesses and residents in the area to discuss the issue further. The outcome will shape the future of Birmingham's city centre skyline and local community.
