Plans for a ‘long-overdue’ development of derelict Arena Central in Birmingham have been submitted for permission, birminghammail.net writes.

Since 2000, the site which was formerly home to ATV/ Central Studios, has been set aside for a revamp. However, due to the economic downturn and regulations pertaining to the building of towers, no regeneration work has taken place to date.

Proposal for Birmingham’s tallest tower

The new proposals include the construction of a 51-storey V Building, which would be Birmingham’s tallest tower. Following consultation, the plans for Arena Central also comprise office space which will be situated around a space to be called Arena Square.

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However, for those that love innovative use of external cladding, the record-breaking town might pale into insignificance against the planned 18-storey Holiday Inn Express. The hotel is to be clad in a graduating mixture of materials to produce a ‘pixelated’ effect, which says committee planning officer, Joanne Todd will be “reminiscent of the historic TV use of the site”.

Ambitious ‘pixel’ fashion building cladding effect

Ms Todd explained further in a report cited by birminghampost.net:

“The building would be constructed in a mix of lightweight cladding, render and glazing, in a mix of tonal colours of black, grey and white. More specifically, the main bedroom block, from level four upward, would be wrapped in cladding to create a continuous, flowing tonal variation in a ‘pixel’ fashion.”

Work to commence in June 2013

The plans have been praised so far and if they are granted, work is planned to commence in June 2013. All being well, the public should have access to the redeveloped site by January 2015.