Plans for 26-storey tower in Birmingham revealed

Developers Sterling Property Ventures and Rockspring have unveiled their designs for a 26-storey tower at 103 Colmore Row in Birmingham.

Designed by Doone Silver architects, the 102m-high tower will be the tallest building in Birmingham once completed and replaces the 1970s NatWest Tower by John Madin.

Current plans for the tower will include an 8,600ft2 top floor restaurant, a winter garden at ground floor level and 196,000ft2 of office space. The top of the building will also feature a 2,900ft2 ‘lantern’ space offering 360 degree views across the city.

Initial consultations with Birmingham City Council and with Design Council CABE have informed the scheme,which opened to public consultation today. A formal application is expected to be submitted in May.

James Howarth, managing director of Sterling Property Ventures, said: “We are replacing an ugly and unloved tower with a striking building with a distinctive silhouette which will enhance the Birmingham skyline and act as a marker for orientation within the city.

“103 Colmore Row undisputedly provides the best views of the city. The top-floor restaurant means that these will not be exclusive to commercial occupiers but can be shared with the public. It will become a great destination.”