World's First Mixed-use Net Zero Development for Birmingham

Birmingham developers have the go-ahead to build the world's first mixed-use net zero carbon development after planners approved the project. Investor and developer Woodbourne Group will bring the £360 million Curzon Wharf scheme to the city centre as part of rejuvenation efforts in the area. The net zero carbon development is designed to be highly energy efficient, fully powered by renewable energy sources.

Plans for Curzon Wharf include a 53-storey high residential build-to-rent apartment block. Once constructed, the tower will be 564 feet tall, overtaking The Octagon, which stands at 508 feet. The purposebuilt accommodation will be a mixture of student apartments and residential homes. Woodbourne Group has said the structure will provide up to 732 student flats, 265 co-living units with generous amenity space and up to 498 apartments.

Tani Dulay, Chief Executive of Woodbourne Group, said: “We have worked hard to reach this point, and it is incredibly satisfying to stand on the brink of delivering such a world-class development for a city I am proud to call home. I want to thank the planning committee, our team and everyone who supported this scheme. We need to help power the economic recovery by facilitating investment, creating jobs and acting as a catalyst to further success."

The site location is on the northern entrance to the city with easy access to nearby rail links. The waterside development will also include approximately 130,000 sqft of office, R&D and life science space. The development will bring over 1,000 jobs to the area, with 3,000 sqft of retail space and expansive leisure facilities. More than 76,424 sqft of improved public realm and upgraded walking and cycling routes will bring further benefits. Curzon Wharf forms part of plans to position Birmingham as a leading city in sustainable construction.

IMAGE: Woodbourne Group

32-storey Tower Approved Despite Carbon Concerns

Carbon concerns were dismissed by the planning committee and Woods Bagot's plans to build a 32-storey tower above Leadenhall Market have been approved. The controversial plans will see construction above the grade II* listed building.

Mauritius-based developer Hershten Group put forward the plans for the scheme. The City of London Corporation voted in favour of the project, following a recommendation from planning officers. Concerns from The Victorian Society stated the plans would conflict with the City of London’s newly adopted guidance on considering refurbishment over new build to reduce embodied carbon emissions. Historic England shared the concerns, citing potential harm to the historic environment of the area and the carbon impact of the project.

However, the city planning committee is satisfied with the whole-life carbon and sustainability aspects of the building. Committee Chair Shravan Jashvantrai Joshi said: “There are clear policies in place on suitability for office, for residential, for various uses, so I do not think there is a policy question here on the use of this particular development.”

The project team has offered assurances regarding the use of low carbon materials in the build. Also involved in the project are surveyors Shaw

Corporation, quantity surveyors Turner & Townsend Alinea, multi-disciplinary firm Arup, M&E consultant Sweco, planning specialist DP9 and global consulting firm Robert Bird. Under new city rules, developers must complete a detailed review of the carbon impact of development options before submitting applications.

The development will offer 35,000 sqm of business space, food and beverage facilities, and a public hall. Also included in the plan is a heritage garden, with a walkway offering excellent views over nearby Leadenhall Market.