Plans in for Act One - the tallest building
 in Birmingham

Plans have been lodged for Act One - a 50-storey 'vertical village’, mixed-use tower in Birmingham city centre.

It is hoped that work on site at Act One, Chung Ying Plaza by summer 2023. Subsequently, expected completion would be in late 2027.

The landmark 27 Thorp Street tower will offer nearly 490 flats, library, cinema room as well as a gym and spa.

Exoskeletal Frame

The tower, designed by K4 Architects, will include an aluminium lattice exoskeletal frame over the glazing system. This was inspired by the patterns made by Chinese ribbon dance.

In addition, Developer Cordia Blackswan is committing to 100 non-Section 106 offsite affordable rent flats within one mile of the site. Similarly, a further £1.5m will be contributed towards public realm on Thorp Street, Chung Ying Plaza.

Views

The 170m tower would would be the tallest tower in the city. It will offer high-quality build-to-rent accommodation, as well as an observation deck boasting 360-degree views of the city.

Marcus Hawley, managing director at Cordia Blackswan, said: “The application for Act One and Chung Ying Plaza represents an exciting opportunity for us to deliver something truly special and never before seen in one of Birmingham’s most distinctive areas.”

“In realising Birmingham City Council’s ‘Our Future City Plan 2040’, we want to develop a public realm and site that brings significant social and economic benefits to the city and contributes to the council’s future vision.

“Build-to-rent properties contribute to Birmingham’s reputation as one of the primary locations in the UK for rental opportunities, and the rental sector plays a significant part in building communities and creating sustainable neighbourhoods.”

New Homes

Located on Thorp Street near the Birmingham Hippodrome, Act One would become the tallest tower in the city.

The proposed scheme would contain 487 units to rent, ranging from one bedroom to penthouse apartments.

A central feature of this will be the return of Nicholas Monro's famous 1972 King Kong sculpture. This iconic sculpture once stood proud outside Birmingham's old Bull Ring Centre.

A report prepared in support of the newly submitted planning application said 'Chung Ying' was a Cantanose term which translates as 'China and England’.

Managing director at Cordia Blackswan, Marcus Hawley, said:

“The application for Act One and Chung Ying Plaza represents an exciting opportunity for us to deliver something truly special and never before seen in one of Birmingham’s most distinctive areas.

“Build-to-rent properties contribute to Birmingham’s reputation as one of the primary locations in the UK for rental opportunities, and the rental sector plays a significant part in building communities and creating sustainable neighbourhoods.”