World’s tallest octagonal resi tower gets go-ahead

Developer Argent has got the planning green light to construct the world’s tallest pure octagonal residential building at the Paradise site in Birmingham.

Birmingham-based Glenn Howells Architects has designed the Octagon tower, which will rise to 49 storeys to create a new landmark for the city.

The 155m tall tower will provide up to 370 new build to rent homes and marks the latest phase of the £700m Paradise scheme, so far delivered by BAM and Sir Robert McAlpine.

Rob Groves, regional director with Paradise Development Manager Argent, said: “After the completion of phase one of the development earlier this year, we are now moving ahead with a number of new buildings at Paradise, reflecting a massive vote of confidence in Birmingham and the regional economy’s recovery from the Covid pandemic.”  

Dav Bansal, partner at Glenn Howells Architects, said: “With its instantly recognisable and slender design, it also offers homes of unparalleled individuality with the apartments enjoying a generous 12 m facet of the Octagon.”

The Octagon planning permission follows on from the completion of Phase One of Paradise Birmingham, which includes the first two buildings, One Chamberlain Square and Two Chamberlain Square, both built by BAM.

Sir Robert McAlpine is on site with the next commercial building at Paradise, One Centenary Way, while Three Chamberlain Square, is going through its detailed design stage with a planning application expected to be submitted later this year. 

The Paradise redevelopment is being brought forward through Paradise Circus Limited Partnership, a private-public joint venture with Birmingham City Council. The private sector funding is being managed by Federated Hermes. Argent is the development manager. 

Written by Aaron Morby - Construction Enquirer