New plans have been unveiled for a residential and commercial development reaching 27 storeys in Birmingham city centre which has already secured its first tenant.
Apsley House Capital is working with landowner Gooch Estate on the project in Lower Essex Street to build 642 apartments, ranging from one to three bedrooms, and 20,000 sq ft of commercial and amenity space.
There will also be a new pedestrian boulevard linking the scheme with Hurst Street, car and cycle parking, two landscaped courtyards and a roof terrace, overlooking the city's Southside district.
The scheme, which has been designed by London-based Claridge Architects, will be split across three separate blocks reaching up to 27 storeys at its highest point. The application site currently houses Hurst Street Car Park.
Birmingham LGBT, the charity for the city's lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community, has agreed a 20-year lease deal for 5,000 sq ft to relocate from its current home in nearby Holloway Circus despite the project not yet having planning consent.
Steph Keeble, a director with the charity, said: "Southside has been the home of the LGBT centre for years.
"However, with the lease on our offices coming to an end and the building potentially being redeveloped we needed to look for new premises.
"As a charity delivering services to the LGBT community, we really want to stay in Southside as it's important we are located within the community.
"The new purpose-built LGBT centre in Lower Essex Street will mean our future in the area is secure."
This latest project neighbours The Timber Yard, another residential-led scheme by Apsley House Capital.
Director Robin Norstrom added: "Subject to planning approval being granted, this will be our second major residential development in Southside.
"It's an area we have a lot of affection for and want to make a positive contribution to, through the provision of high-quality, well-designed homes, public amenity and commercial space.
"Through our involvement in Timber Yard, we have made a lot of strong connections with the local LGBT community and wherever possible we have been keen to support their activities.
"We were made aware of the charity's need to find a new home and were only too happy to facilitate the relocation to a more permanent home."
