Plans to demolish Martineau Place and replace it with a mixed-use city centre have been revealed. The shopping centre was originally built in the 60s, but was majorly redeveloped in 2001, before Henley and Sixth Street purchased the site in 2021—with the two investment firms lodging a pre-application in February.
Part of Birmingham City Council’s “Central Heart” vision for the centre (which looks to create 5,000 new homes and 8,000 new jobs), the new proposals could see up to 1,500 new homes alongside 26,000 sq m of commercial and retail space, Grade A office accommodation, new public realm and improved walking and cycling routes.
The 2.7-acre shopping centre plot linking High Street and Corporation Street may also accommodate a 60-storey residential tower—potentially the tallest building in Birmingham; the current tallest is the 49-storey Octagon at 509 feet. The Martineau Place transformation will also improve connections between HS2’s Curzon Street station, Cathedral Square and the Colmore Business District.
“The proposals re-imagine Martineau Place as a new city centre destination, helping to connect HS2’s Curzon Street Station, Cathedral Square and the Colmore Business District,” said a spokesperson for Henley and Sixth Street. “The scheme will help unlock the wider regeneration opportunities on Curzon Street and in the city centre.”
A public engagement event will take place on Thursday, July 16, at the former Pep&Co unit on Corporation Street. This gives locals, businesses and stakeholders the opportunity to view the proposals properly and give feedback. A consultation website will also go live at 10am on the same day for those who cannot make it down.
