The transformation of Birmingham’s landscape has taken a significant step forward with the start of major clearance works at the £500 million Paradise regeneration scheme – paving the way for the construction of the first phase that will comprise two premium contemporary speculative office buildings totalling more than 350,000 sq ft and the enhancement of one of the city’s main public squares.
The commencement of this next stage of works was witnessed today by Rob Groves of Paradise development manager Argent; Simon Marks of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) and Simon Dingle of Carillion.
Set to dramatically change the city skyline, the removal of the complex arrangement of buildings on the site, including the former library and Paradise Forum, follows comprehensive interior strip out works which have been ongoing since the start of this year. It marks a crucial stage in the progress of the Paradise project – one of the UK’s most important city centre regeneration schemes.
Senior Projects Director of Argent, Rob Groves said: “The visible transformation of Paradise has now begun in earnest. The removal of the exterior of the old library is another milestone for the scheme and for the city itself. The people of Birmingham have been very patient as we have painstakingly prepared the site for the major works which will clear the way for us to start construction of the first two landmark office buildings and Chamberlain Square enhancements by mid-2016.”
Chris Taylor, Head of Private Markets at Hermes Investment Management, commented: “The Paradise scheme will consolidate Birmingham’s position as a global business destination, bringing first class office space to an outstanding and prestigious setting that will attract some of the world’s biggest firms while improving accessibility and permeability through the city.”
Councillor Tahir Ali, Birmingham City Council Cabinet Member for Development, Transport and the Economy, said: “The visible progress of the Paradise scheme is the icing on the cake at the end of an incredible 2015.
“This has been a truly remarkable year for the city with the £600 million re-opening of New Street station, £150 million launch of Grand Central shopping centre with its flagship John Lewis store, as well as the £50 million redevelopment of The Mailbox and opening of the £150 million Resorts World Birmingham leisure complex.
“The Paradise development will further boost global perceptions of Birmingham as a prime place to live, visit and do business.”
Simon Marks of the GBSLEP added: “Set to attract new businesses, jobs and visitors, the Paradise regeneration scheme is a significant example of the success of the Birmingham City Centre Enterprise Zone. By providing the investment to deliver the infrastructure required to bring such a complex scheme forward, the LEP has worked closely with the project partners and it is fantastic to now see the start of the next phase of delivery.”
Working with phase one infrastructure contractor Carillion, Birmingham based specialist sub-contractor DSM has deployed a hydraulic high reach excavator – one of only two machines of its kind in the country – with the recent closure of the Paradise Circus one way traffic loop enabling this high reach equipment to be positioned adjacent to the Town Hall to start the physical works on the site.
While work to clear the site takes place, the walkway through the old Paradise Forum has been closed together with a large part of Chamberlain Square for health and safety reasons. Pedestrians and cyclists have now been re-routed through Fletchers Walk.
The first phase of Paradise comprises two new premium speculatively funded office buildings, One and Two Chamberlain Square, designed by Eric Parry and Glenn Howells Architects respectively, as well as attractive new public realm that will provide high quality connections from New Street and Victoria Square through to Centenary Square and on to Brindleyplace.
The Paradise redevelopment is being brought forward through Paradise Circus Limited Partnership (PCLP), a private-public joint venture with Birmingham City Council, with private sector funding being managed by Hermes Investment Management, with Argent acting as development manager. The enabling and infrastructure works, currently underway, have been funded through an approved £61m investment by Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP).