Demolition of two multi-storey offices on the Calthorpe Estate has begun, making way for the Build-to-Rent apartments, as part of the ambitious £330m New Garden Square regeneration project.
Removal of the five and six-storey buildings, located on 123 -127 Hagley Road, will form part of the preparations for New Garden Square, a project which will see the 1960s commercial estate in Edgbaston transformed into a vibrant, 4.3 hectare (10.7-acre) multi-use destination.
Calthorpe Estates has appointed specialists DSM Group to carry out the demolition of the 3,250 sq m (35,000 sq ft) and 5850 sq m (63,000 sq ft) offices respectively, which will be executed using a semi high reach, mechanical method of deconstruction. Progressively breaking down the structure, the entire project is expected to take approximately 15 weeks, with the full demolition completed by October 2020.
Billy Young, Director for DSM Group, explained: “We began work on the site in March of this year, with work on the physical demolition commencing in recent weeks. Using a mechanical method of deconstruction means that we can take down the structure efficiently and safely, limiting disruption to the local area.
“The site is fully secured, with construction waste being segregated, disposed of and reused where possible. As both buildings are typical of their era, constructed using insitu concrete, it means much of the construction waste can be recycled.”
Ralph Minott, Director of Development for Calthorpe Estates, added: “We commenced working with DSM at New Garden Square back in 2018, when we appointed them for the demolition of the 20 storey Edgbaston House. It was quite complicated precast pretensioned construction, to effectively demolish the offices DSM used their high reach machine which is the only one in UK. DSM have continued to support our demolition progress at the site, gaining vital intel on the 60 year historic constraints of its first regeneration of the 60-80’s, and we are keen to capitalise on the team’s expertise and experience as the transformation of this landmark site in Edgbaston continues.
“The demolition of 123 -127 Hagley Road is yet another milestone in the development of New Garden Square, and the changing shape of the Birmingham skyline, as our plans for this ambitious scheme begin to take shape. We’re excited to be progressing to the next phase of work, in spite of the current challenging circumstances, as the arrival of this new, thriving area in Edgbaston – which will be a mixed-use destination in its own right – comes ever closer.”
New Garden Square will extend the city core to create a new multi-use district, attracting significant inward investment and generating jobs. Once complete, it will deliver over 57,000 sq m (600,000 sq ft) of Grade A office accommodation, with potential for a 100 bed hotel and restaurants, bars and convenience retail at ground floor level, in addition to 392 Build-to-Rent residential apartments. The scheme will be set around a stunning 130 m (425 ft) x 30 m (100 ft) wide public realm garden square, formed from an eclectic series of gardens and mature trees, whilst retaining the existing Grade II listed buildings fronting Hagley Road.
With the new Edgbaston Village Metro terminus stop directly opposite New Garden Square, in front of 54 Hagley Road, the scheme will hugely benefit from the tram extension and enhanced accessibility to and from Birmingham city centre. The SPRINT will follow the Metro’s arrival and continue along Hagley Road to Halesowen and Dudley, in advance of the arrival of HS2.
The New Garden Square project is a partnership between Calthorpe Estates, the progressive property investment company, and U+I Group plc, specialists in major mixed-use regeneration schemes across the UK. The Build-to-Rent apartments will be developed by Court Collaborations, the city’s leading residential developer, who recently entered into a Long Lease Agreement to acquire the residential element within the scheme.