Planned Birmingham tower block near Bullring slammed as 'abominable'
squares and build up. I hope that people will ask ‘why is it like that?’ and find out there is a history and that the building mirrors the burgage plots.”
The tower is part of the wider Beorma Quarter development, named after an Anglo-Saxon ruler from where the name Birmingham is derived, which will regenerate the run down area of Digbeth behind Selfridges.
A Victorian Cold Store building, which has a preservation order, will also be restored and renovated although the panel is critical of plans to demolish its rear boiler house extension.
Developer Salhia Investments is backed by Kuwaiti cash is one of the few major schemes not affected by the credit crunch and a company spokesman confirmed that if given planning approval in the coming weeks building work could begin before the end of the year.
He said: “We were delighted to present this exciting urban regeneration scheme and are hopeful that the city can benefit from such a significant investment in its future.”
Council leader Mike Whitby, who visited Kuwait last month, is a keen supporter of the scheme as it brings the promise of more investment and 3,000 jobs to Birmingham.
Speaking late last year Coun Whitby (Con Harborne) said: “The important thing about this is that the money to pay for Beorma is coming from Kuwait and will not be subject to the credit crunch. We are not talking about sub-prime loans here.
“Other Middle Eastern companies are also looking at the potential offered by the city of Birmingham in recognition that our economy is robust. They see this as a good place to do business now and in the future.”
