Birmingham Colmore Gate plans lodged with refurb of 'dark and uninviting' pedestrian link

Birmingham City Council's planning committee previously refused plans to create a 26-storey tower

Refurbishment plans have been lodged for a “landmark” building in Birmingham which could update the ground floor facade as well as a key passageway. The proposals, submitted to Birmingham City Council, described Colmore Gate as a “highly prominent” building in the heart of the city centre with far-reaching views over the skyline.

If approved, the plans would provide a number of changes including modifications to the ground floor facade and a refurbishment of the passageway linking Colmore Row to Bull Street. Those behind the project said the existing pedestrian link was currently dark, uninviting and “known to encourage anti-social behaviour”.

A design document said: “The updates to the passageway will brighten the space, which will improve the way in which it is used by pedestrians and reduce the anti-social behaviour within it". It continued: “The proposed refurbishment of the existing ground floor facade and passageway will reinvigorate the existing building as a high-quality, contemporary landmark within Birmingham city centre.

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“Through thoughtful design, the client team have produced a considered refurbishment that regenerates and optimises the full potential of this site, and enhances the existing building". The latest proposals come after previous plans for a new tower on the site were refused following concerns over its height.

The plans, which would have involved the partial demolition of an existing building and extension to create a 26-storey tower, were considered by the council’s planning committee in February. Historic England previously objected to the plans, saying: “The main impact on the conservation area would be from the increase in height of the tower from 17 to 26 storeys.”

Considering whether the scale of the proposed development could be amended, the council’s independent consultants previously said reducing the height of the tower building by four storeys “significantly impacts on viability.” On whether its appearance could be altered, a council officer’s report also added the design was “acceptable” considering its central business district location and added it was a “betterment on the existing architecture".

The report said the proposal would cause “low levels of less than substantial harm" but also provide economic benefits as well as an “attractive” pedestrian route connecting Colmore Row and Bull Street. However, the planning application was ultimately refused following a vote of councillors.

The reason for refusal stated: "This less than substantial harm is not outweighed by the identified benefits of the proposed development."

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