Pictured above: Harrison Drape building
Consultants Brooke Smith Planning have secured planning
permission for a major mixed use redevelopment of the former
Harrison Drape building in Bradford Street, Digbeth, Birmingham,
encompassing the adjacent site next to St Anne's Church.
The scheme for the Ireland-based Naus Group was approved at
Birmingham City Council's Planning Committee yesterday (Wednesday
20 April 2011) subject to a legal agreement which will support
substantial amenity improvements for the area.
The project comprises two hotels (with 3 and 4-star ratings)
totalling 480 rooms, a conference centre with capacity for 1000
delegates, four retail units, 2100 sq m of office space and a
513-space multi-storey car park which will serve the site and the
surrounding area.
In order to preserve a link to the site's former use and history
within Digbeth, the scheme will retain the façade of former
Harrison Drape building, which faces onto Bradford Street.
The development reflects the principles of the emerging Big City
Plan and Core Strategy; they will help enhance the historic
character of the area while generating employment opportunities and
stimulating regeneration within the Southern Gateway Transformation
Area.
The Naus Group has agreed a package of planning benefits
totalling £150,000. Of these, £90,000 will assist the
New Street Station Gateway Project, £35,000 will be spent on
improving public space, introducing street furniture and lighting
along Bradford Street and a further £25,000 will be given to
the Highways Department to improve signage in the area. The final
details of the section 106 agreement have still to be
finalised.
Keir Price of Birmingham-based Brooke Smith Planning said: "The
project reflects the increased interest in the area and follows on
from the renewal of the Connaught proposals close to Birmingham
Coach Station and other schemes along Bradford Street.
"There is a growing sense of anticipation in the area that
things are moving forward after a lull and the Harrison Drape
proposals are a good example of this."