Developers in Birmingham have unveiled their designs for a new 49-storey octagonal apartment complex which they say will be the tallest of its kind in the world.
The team behind the £700 million Paradise project is planning to construct a 510-foot tower containing more than 340 apartments which will offer views across the city's skyline and beyond.
Project manager Argent says it will be the world's tallest pure octagonal residential building in what will be a landmark first for Birmingham.
A consultation has been launched today on the scheme, to be called 'Octagon', which is set to be developed on the northern edge of the city centre site next to Summer Row.
Argent announced in March that it was looking to introduce a residential aspect to the regeneration project which has been office-led since its inception.
It now wants to build 346 apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms, on land currently occupied by 1980s office building 77 Paradise Circus Queensway.
They will be available to rent only and will include some affordable housing.
Designed by Birmingham-based practice Glenn Howells Architects, it will form the centrepiece of the third phase of work at Paradise which is expected to include further office accommodation.
An online only public consultation is now live after which a planning application will be submitted to Birmingham City Council in the summer.
Subject to planning consent, work is expected to be completed by 2024.
Rob Groves, regional director with Argent, said: "Our ambition with Octagon is simple - to build one of the finest apartment schemes ever seen in the UK.
"Everything about the building - its height, the size of the apartments themselves and their design, the views and the location in the city centre - will be a first.
"We want this building to really stand out which is why we have been working so hard behind the scenes with Glenn Howells Architects to come up with a very pure design that will create a true landmark capable of holding its own on the Birmingham skyline, both now and in the future.
"It is also about creating a real experience for everyone who lives at Octagon.
"The unique shape of the building means the homes will be spacious and, due to its landscape windows, height and position on the Birmingham ridge, every single home at Octagon will have spectacular views across the city."
Dav Bansal, director of Glenn Howells Architects, said: "This is not just a first for Birmingham and a new landmark on the city's skyline but it will be a distinct and instantly recognisable design.
"The horizontal expression of the façade enables the internal rooms to open up to panoramic views of the city and residents will also enjoy access to a wellness centre, workout studios and private lounges.
"By providing new homes here, we are making the most of what Paradise has to offer as well as helping the city meet its housing needs with a bespoke offer."
Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, added: "The council is still facilitating the planning process by allowing developers to talk with officers online and I would encourage everyone to use the Octagon website to look at the information around this project and give their feedback.
"Paradise itself is an important landmark development for the city and the incorporation of a residential element will help bring this mixed-use scheme even further to life."
Once completed, Paradise will have up to ten new buildings with work nearing completion on the first two - One and Two Chamberlain Square - and well under way on the third, One Centenary Way.
The online public consultation runs until May 26 - to ask questions and submit comments about Octagon, visit www.octagonbirmingham.co.uk.
