Lower Essex Square Recommended for Approval

Lower Essex Square, a major mixed-use scheme of 628 new homes for Southside, which includes a 27-storey tower, is recommended for approval.

The largely vacant site is bound by Kent Street, Sherlock Street, Hurst Street, and Lower Essex Street.

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Lower Essex Street Ltd – led by the team who developed the excellent Timber Yard adjacent, as well as Soho Wharf – is seeking the go-ahead to develop the land with a major 628-home build-to-rent (BTR) development at the heart of the city's vibrant Gay Village.

Three new buildings of eight, 12 and 27-storeys (98m) are planned, comprising one- to three-bedroom apartments (36 affordable), as well as over 20K SF of high-quality new ground-level amenity and commercial space, providing a vibrant extension to an already bustling commercial scene.

Plans also include discounted space for a local LGBT charity.

Two internally landscaped courtyards, extensive winter and podium gardens, terraces, and a ninth-floor roof terrace on the tower would be available to residents.

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New tree-lined boulevards are planned, linking Hurst Street to Lower Essex Street, along with a new public square and a lime tree-lined link on Sherlock Street.

A cycle highway already runs past the site; as a result, 644 cycle spaces are to be provided across each new building, along with 24 car spaces, six disabled, and five electric vehicle bays.

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A statement filed on behalf of the applicant said: "The proposal represents a significant capital investment which will create employment, drive increased spending in the local economy, and support the city council's aspirations for Southside and Highgate.

"The mix of housing delivers a range of unit types that best reflect the demographic trends and market demand in this part of the city centre, as well as supporting the creation of sustainable communities."

An officer's report said: "The scheme would make efficient use of this largely vacant brownfield site and contribute to the city's need for residential accommodation.

"There would be a net positive impact upon biodiversity, subject to the recommended conditions and, notwithstanding the small amount of employment land, the scheme would, on balance, make a positive contribution towards the regeneration of this part of the city centre."

Lower Essex Square will be reviewed by the city council’s planning committee on 16 June, at 11 am.

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Lower Essex Square, images from Claridge Architects.

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EMERGING AREA: Itsyourbuild's Development Map - Birmingham's first and only.