A ground-breaking vision to create the world’s first mixed-use net zero carbon ready development – which will transform a key gateway to Birmingham – has taken another important step forward, it was announced today.
The £360 million waterfront ecosystem known as Curzon Wharf is closer to becoming reality after Tani Dulay’s Woodbourne Group and Birmingham City Council signed off a Section 106 agreement.
Curzon Wharf has become one of the most talked about developments since it was first publicly announced in March 2021. It was granted planning consent in April 2023 in a landmark decision by city planners.
It is set to be developed in a key quarter of the city centre and will generate close to 1,400 jobs.
Proposals for the transformational Curzon Wharf masterplan development include new residential buildings – including Birmingham’s tallest tower – shops and offices, as well as research and development and life sciences facilities. The one million sq ft site is currently occupied by industrial units constructed in the 1960s.
Tani Dulay, chief executive of Woodbourne Group, said: “This has taken years of unwavering determination. Reaching this milestone has been a testament to the relentless work ethic by our team and partners. The signing of the Section 106 agreement signifies that Curzon Wharf is now a significant stride closer to shaping the future of Birmingham Knowledge Quarter and the city.” He added: “We are a Birmingham business for Birmingham.”
Located next to Birmingham City University and Aston University, and within an eight-minute walk of the new HS2 Curzon Street Station, the development is expected to boost Birmingham’s economy by at least £151 million.
Councillor John Cotton, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We are delighted that progress has been made on this truly groundbreaking development. The Section 106 agreement is a crucial step forward for Curzon Wharf – an exciting masterplan which builds on Birmingham’s ambition to be a greener, more dynamic and sustainable city.
“Woodbourne Group’s bold vision has acted as a catalyst for the rejuvenation of that area, we look forward to it being brought to life and becoming a key piece of the Birmingham skyline.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This is another significant milestone for Tani and his team at Woodbourne Group. It’s testament to their vision and hard work. They’re intent on delivering a bold vision for Birmingham – and it’s a vision that we welcome. I wish them continued success with this landmark scheme in the months ahead.”
The scheme will include a residential build to rent apartment block which will stand 53 storeys high, making it Birmingham’s tallest building at 172 metres (564 feet). The purpose-built student accommodation will be 41 storeys and another residential element at 14 storeys tall.
In addition, the development will include nearly 130,000 sq ft of office, R&D and life science space, over 3,000 sq ft of retail units, more than 15,000 sq ft of leisure space, over 76,424 sq ft of new and improved public realm and 490 metres of new and improved walking and cycling routes.
A section 106 agreement is an agreement between a developer and a local planning authority about measures that the developer must take to reduce their impact on the community. It is designed to make a development possible that might otherwise not be possible, by obtaining contributions from the developer.