New way of living proposed for historic Gas Street site in Birmingham

A unique energy conservation project is being planned for an historic Gas Street site in Birmingham with proposals to create a landmark multi-storey residential development.

Public consultation has begun on the Gather & Soul development at 52 Gas Street, off Broad Street in the Westside district, with plans for 160 apartments catering for the city’s growing population of young professionals aged 18 to 35.

The scheme, proposed by GNM Developments Limited, aims to become a national leader in sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.

The building is designed by award winning international architects Broadway Malyan.

The site is occupied by a former factory, with the adjoining Gas Street Canal Basin Toll House to be converted into co-working spaces for residents.

Gerald Manton, managing director at GNM, said: “We are excited that our proposals will be a first, not only for Birmingham but for the entire UK. This will be the UK's first multi-storey energy positive building.

“This will be part of Westside for a long time to come, and hopefully be an example of how buildings can be done differently. We also aim to make an enormous positive benefit to the lower end of Gas Street.”

Mr Manton, who is also the current chair of Westside Business Improvement District (BID), explained that a key feature of the development would be a specialised solar façade on the main building, projected to generate more than 427,000 kilowatt hours of energy a year.

This would not only serve the building’s energy needs, he said, but would also contribute surplus electricity back to the grid, helping to illuminate Gas Street, which was the first street in the city to be lit by gaslight.

Mr Manton added: “This development is aligned with Birmingham’s Future City Plan which proposes ambitious sustainability targets that focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources.

“As well as generating surplus clean energy, the Gather & Soul development aims to reduce the building’s reliance on energy use, such as air-conditioning and artificial lighting, and conserve water, while also promoting the use of public transport.”

The development, which sits at the junction of Gas Street and Gas Street Basin in the Westside BID area, would also incorporate amenities including a gym, cinema room, bookable dining rooms, and communal kitchens.

Public consultation continues until 7 May, with the full planning application due to be submitted by 17 May.

Full details of the pre application proposals can be viewed here.

Alternatively, click here for the public consultation questionnaire.

Anyone who would like to discuss the scheme with the design team can attend public exhibition at Quayside Tower on Broad Street from 11am until 3pm on Wednesday 1 May.

Email Info@gnmdevelopments.com for more details.