The Cube Planning Permission Granted
A Square Deal
The City Council has granted planning permission to the Birmingham Development Company to build "the Cube", the final phase to their renowned luxury development, The Mailbox.
The Cube
Inside, the Cube will feature a stunning open atrium that twists as it climbs the height of the 450,000sq ft building. Lined with coloured glass and with an exterior clad in shimmering metallic fretwork, the concept has visible links to Birmingham's heritage in engineering and jewellery manufacture.
The mixed-use building will include the city's first rooftop restaurant with panoramic views whilst a boutique hotel and residential apartments below will feature internal views over the twisting atrium. Further down, high specification Grade A office space is planned with more exclusive retail and waterside restaurants at the base.
Location
The building is to be located between The Mailbox cafebars and restaurants, Washington Wharf apartments, Commercial Street and the Birmingham Worcester canal. A new 24-hour entrance to The Mailbox development will be situated here and as such, the building will provide new city linkages from the Attwood Green area to the convention quarter and the city beyond.
Transforming what is currently a predominantly derelict site adjacent to The Mailbox The Cube is expected to encourage new investment into this area of the city, much as The Mailbox triggered a myriad of residential developments in and around the area after opening in late 2000. Alan Chatham, Director of Birmingham Development Company, said:
What has been accomplished to date in the citys regeneration has been nothing short of amazing, yet we hope to set a new benchmark for developments in Birmingham. The Cube will bring forward a new standard of architecture and a building which will not only be Birmingham's most striking waterside location, but also one which is identifiable around the world.
Leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Mike Whitby said:
"The Cube breaks all the boundaries of what has been achieved in Birmingham so far. Our city is a city of the future and as a futuristic building with phenomenal foresight in style and design, it is indicative of our plans in how we see Birmingham developing. The Mailbox has already raised the bar in the quality and calibre of our architecture and the retail offerings, worldwide brand names and stylish restaurants have given Birmingham a contemporary profile rivalling the capitals of Europe. The Cube will help to elevate us on to a global stage."
Timescales
Birmingham Development Company are aiming to begin demolition and enabling works in 2006, with overall completion of the building scheduled for 2008.
More Information
An information point is open on Level 3 of The Mailbox to enable the public to get a first glimpse of the futuristic building and register their interest to purchase apartments.
View the Cube application details and related documents online
You can view further details on the submitted application including related documents.You can also submit comments
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