CITY LIVING RESHAPED Octagon is not just a first for , but will be unique in the UK and beyond. Offering a mix of 346 spacious new Build to Rent (BtR) homes designed to excel in every way, we want to build the first pure residential octagonal high rise building in the world. CONTENTS Introduction 03

Planning History 06

Site Location 12

Octagon 16

Key Facts 22

The Architecture 24

Internal Design 28

One Bedroom Home 36

Two Bedroom Home 38

Three Bedroom Home 40

Ground Floor Uses 44

The Central Core & Cladding 48

Market Demand 50

Delivering Octagon 52

The Architects 54 INTRODUCING RESIDENTIAL TO PARADISE

Following the Octagon online public consultation process held in May 2020, a planning application has now been submitted to . Subject to approval of our plans, we hope work on Octagon will begin during 2021 and complete in 2024.

02 / Octagon Birmingham 03 Outline planning permission was We are working as part of a public Paradise is the £700 million obtained back in 2013 and detailed private sector Joint Venture (JV) with transformation at the very heart applications are now being progressed Birmingham City Council, the LEP and on a phase by phase basis. Federated Hermes, a global investment management company, to bring of Birmingham attracting new The company managing the development forward up to 2 million sq ft of new at Paradise is Argent, who originally development in the heart of the city. businesses, jobs and visitors to the city. developed in Birmingham, Piccadilly Gardens in Our aim is to create a whole new part and King’s Cross in . of Birmingham by designing buildings that are both desirable and inspiring. We are very experienced at bringing forward large, mixed use schemes with both commercial and residential elements. View across Chamberlain Square

We are now working with Glenn Howells Architects to bring a true octagonal-shaped residential – a world first – to the city.

04 / Octagon Birmingham 05 PLANNING HISTORY

The first phase of Paradise has already been delivered and includes new public spaces as well as our first two buildings.

One Chamberlain Square Two Chamberlain Square

PwC opened its largest UK regional DLA Piper, Knights and office in January 2020, home to Mazars will relocate the more than 2,000 employees. building in early 2021.

Indian eatery Dishoom opened They will be joined by award in summer 2020 and is already winning wine bar and restaurant making its mark on the Vinoteca which will open at the city’s restaurant scene. front of the building overlooking Chamberlain Square.

06 / Octagon Birmingham 07 The second phase of development has now started with our next office building, One Centenary Way, set to complete in 2023. This will bring a further 280,000 sq ft of commercial space to the city as well as new retail and leisure units. We will also be bringing forward a new high quality hotel, which is earmarked to complete in the second phase, together with Western Terrace and Ratcliff Square – two new pieces of public realm.

There will be another new commercial building, Three Chamberlain Square, built next to the Town Hall and Paradise Street. Hotel

Western Terrace

One Centenary Way

08 / Octagon Birmingham 09 In order to accommodate the Octagon Masterplan Changes building at Paradise, a change to the approved masterplan is proposed.

Octagon will replace one of the ten commercial buildings set out in the Paradise masterplan.

The addition of residential will help to complete the mix at Paradise and add life to the development. This Build to Rent (BtR) building will be built specifically for renters with all homes owned and managed by one landlord.

The building adheres to the main masterplan principles of connecting the city and restoring and enhancing the civic setting at the heart of the Birmingham.

10 / Octagon Birmingham 11 SITE LOCATION

Our planning application submitted to Birmingham City Council in October 2020, introduces a residential element to Paradise on the northern part of the site which will benefit from a new public square, Congreve Square, as well as up to four further commercial buildings. B Octagon will front onto Summer Row at the very apex of the overall Paradise site. I Congreve Instantly recognisable and marking the Square heart of the city, Octagon will stand tall and proud and be a signpost for C Chamberlain Birmingham, making the most of its H Square location on the Birmingham ridge – a line of higher ground that stretches from Snow Hill to Five Ways along Colmore Row and Broad Street.

The building’s commitment to world class design reflects its proximity to F the nearby Jewellery Quarter with its workshops, both old and new, and Hotel historic role in the industrial revolution. Octagon will offer world class homes for its residents with amazing space, views and advanced safety features in an overall environment of excellence.

12 / Octagon Birmingham 13 VICTORIA SQ.

CHAMBERLAIN SQ.

CENTENARY SQ.

14 / Octagon Birmingham 15 A WORLD FIRST ON THE BIRMINGHAM SKYLINE We want to build a new 49 storey tower and the first pure residential octagonal high rise building in the world.

Octagon will rise to a height of 155 metres The warm tone of the building reflects the (or 292 metres above sea level) and nearby historic city landmarks such as the offer unrivalled views and never-seen- Council House, Birmingham Museum & Art before cityscapes across Birmingham. Gallery and . The building’s frame is punctuated with large horizontal Taller than the BT Tower, Octagon will windows finished in a dark bronze metal house 346 new homes offering a mix to complement the building’s soft tone. of one, two and three bedroom options and incorporate a number of affordable On the ground floor will be a mix homes, and will also include communal of uses such as a gym, cycle hub, space and resident amenities both at the resident’s lounge and storage as entrance and at the top of the building. well as a reception area and café.

It is a world class, world first Subject to planning approval, work structure – and a building everyone on Octagon could start on site in in the city can be proud of. 2021 and be finished by 2024.

16 / Octagon Birmingham 17 Octagonal buildings are relatively uncommon, helping to make them instantly recognisable.

A pure residential octagonal high rise building – with eight equal façades – has never been built before anywhere in the world.

Other octagonal buildings do exist, as shown opposite, but do not have eight equal sides (they have four sides of MLC Centre 383 Madison Avenue equal width and the other four sides Sydney New York are of a different equal width) and are therefore not ‘pure’ octagonal buildings. → → →

80 Collins Street Melbourne

18 / Octagon Birmingham 19 RESHAPING CITY CENTRE LIVING

20 / Octagon Birmingham 21 Key Facts

170 x one bedroom homes (37-51 m2) 168 x two bedroom homes (74-91 m2) 8 x three bedroom homes (91-113 m2) plant 2floors 346purpose designed Build to Rent homes

812.7 metre equal sided 155metres tall (3 metres 49storeys above ground pure octagonal shape taller than the BT Tower)

residential44 floors 360º 292metres above sea level due to façade 1home per location on the Birmingham ridge – 13m façade the highest part of the city centre 15,000 sq ft of ground and first floor communal and ancillary spaces

plant1 floor

10.5metre wide horizontal windows passenger3 lifts 6m4 internalx corridors per home with openable sections and 1 staircase linking from the central lift entrance2 and lobby to each quadrant amenity floors

22 / Octagon Birmingham 23 From the outset, the relationship of this building with other city landmarks has been considered THE and the complexity of the site’s location has allowed for a uniquely shaped building. A building that reflects the impact ARCHITECTURE of landmarks such as the listed modernist designs of the Rotunda and Alpha Tower with a simple, elegant architectural language. In terms of space, views, amenities and location, we believe Octagon will excel in every possible way.

Rotunda

OCTAGON

ROTUNDA ALPHA

Alpha Tower

24 / Octagon Birmingham 25 The Octagon shape perfectly aligns with the site’s geometry and the evolving Paradise masterplan and sits at the convergence of many of the city’s main public squares at the heart of the city.

Jewellery Quarter Its 360 degree design openly This, together with the location within addresses each part of the city Paradise, will give residents connections and the warm cladding and dark to everything the city has to offer. bronze detailing complement the Some parking will be available in the surrounding civic landmarks. new Paradise underground car park Amenities on the ground floor of the although overall the scheme will building will bring life and activity support public transport options as to the street frontages as well as much as possible, whether it is bus, convenience and wellbeing style rail, tram, or pedestrian routes. support for the residents.

Centenary Square Centenary Way

Great Charles Street

26 / Octagon Birmingham 27 The 346 new homes in Octagon will INTERNAL be some of the most distinctive DESIGN ever built in this country.

28 / Octagon Birmingham 29 As well as light and bright one and two Each home will have its own segment, The petal shaped homes will bedroom homes, there will also be a with storage and bathroom facilities number of spacious three bedroom on the inner edge to maximise the be significantly larger and homes towards the top of the building. living and bedroom space running up to the 12.7 metre wide façades. Each Thanks to the shape of each home, lighter than most traditionally home will have 10.5 metre horizontal every room will have a wider aspect glazing across the front - incorporating than most conventional homes with shaped apartments, offering: opening windows – maximising the generous light and exceptional views – light for each individual home. whether on the first floor or forty fourth floor – keeping the ever-changing life of the city always in touching distance.

M2* 37of space in the one bed homes-51 91- M2* M2* 74of space in the two bed homes-91 113of space in the three bed homes

* Apartment sizes are indicative at this stage. These are currently being market tested with advice from a leading residential agency and subject to valuable feedback from the public consultation. As a minimum, all apartments will meet the Nationally Described Space Standards.

30 / Octagon Birmingham 31 Typical Floors

The typical residential floor comprises one and two bed units arranged in pairs per quadrant of the Octagon. Two beds extend from façade to core and one bed units are terminate the corridor, providing a dramatic arrival experience generated by panoramic views.

One 51m2

Two Two 2 74m2 74m

One One 51m2 51m2

Two Two 74m2 74m2

One 51m2

32 / Octagon Birmingham 33 Penultimate Floors Top Floors

These floors comprise The uppermost residential floors one bed - single and introduce premium two bed three bed units. and three bed typologies.

One 37m2

Three Three Two Three 2 2 91m2 91m 91m2 113m

One One One One 37m2 37m2 51m2 51m2

Three Three Three Two 2 91m2 91m2 113m2 91m

One 37m2

34 / Octagon Birmingham 35 BED HOME BED SINGLE HOME

1 Internal Area: 37 sq m / 398 sq ft 1 Internal Area: 51 sq m / 548 sq ft Living / Kitchen Area: 18 sq m / 193 sq ft Living / Kitchen Area: 34 sq m / 366 sq ft

Panoramic View: 7.2m / 23 ft of glazing Panoramic View: 10.4m / 34 ft of glazing

Bedroom: 12 sq m / 107 sq ft Bedroom: 12 sq m / 129 sq ft

36 / Octagon Birmingham 37 BED HOME BED HOME STANDARD PREMIUM

2 Internal Area: 74 sq m / 796 sq ft 2 Internal Area: 91 sq m / 979 sq ft Living / Kitchen Area: 37 sq m / 398 sq ft Living / Kitchen Area: 37 sq m / 398 sq ft

Panoramic View: 10.4m / 34 ft of glazing Panoramic View: 13.7m / 45 ft of glazin

Bedroom: 13 sq m / 140 sq ft Bedroom: 14 sq m / 151 sq ft

38 / Octagon Birmingham 39 BED HOME BED HOME STANDARD PREMIUM

3 Internal Area: 91 sq m / 979 sq ft 3 Internal Area: 113 sq m / 1,216 sq ft Living / Kitchen Area: 37 sq m / 398 sq ft Living / Kitchen Area: 56 sq m / 603 sq ft

Panoramic View: 13.7m / 45 ft of glazing Panoramic View: 17.4m / 57 ft of glazing

Bedroom: 14 sq m / 151 sq ft Bedroom: 14 sq m / 151 sq ft

Master Suite: 17 sq m / 183 sq ft Master Suite: 17 sq m / 183 sq ft

40 / Octagon Birmingham 41 42 / Octagon Birmingham 43 By opening up the ground floor with eight Proposed lower level uses include double height legs, a recessed segment gym, wellness hub, co-working creates a new entrance onto Summer space and a café / deli. Row and a new front door to Paradise. ENGAGING It will also open up to a landscaped Housing communal amenities for the courtyard within Paradise, drawing residents and places to meet and engage, people through into the development. GROUND Octagon will engage with its surroundings FLOOR USES and open up to the wider area. Octagon creates a high profile landmark for Birmingham, with its eight consistent sides appreciated equally from any approach in the city.

Lower Ground Floor Upper Ground Floor

Congreve Square Entrance Cycle Hub Future Basement

BoH

Post

Reception Cycle Entrance

Service & Delivery Bay

Entrance Wellness & Amenity Wellness & Amenity

44 / Octagon Birmingham 45 46 / Octagon Birmingham 47 THE CENTRAL CORE & CLADDING The concentric internal layout provides an efficient form allowing for a short distribution of services to each home.

The central lobby area will be equally As well as benefiting from an intrinsically enjoyed by all, providing private corridors efficient design, Octagon features the each with access to just two apartments UK’s first pressurised ‘central core’ which rather than the more standard long, is an advanced safety measure that 

CENTRAL   bland corridors more commonly used. ensures smoke free access and a clear LOBBY route to the stairwell in an emergency Safety of the building is paramount. situation. In addition, sprinklers will be The building’s non-combustible installed in all homes and common areas. external cladding meets the very latest specifications brought in following the Grenfell disaster.

48 / Octagon Birmingham 49 The private rented sector in Birmingham, specifically the interest in high quality BtR (Build to Rent) space, means there REACTING is pent-up demand for this kind of residential development in the city.

Big businesses like HSBC, with the TO MARKET head office of its UK ring-fenced bank at Arena Central on Centenary Square, are helping to drive demand for high DEMAND quality homes in the heart of the city. Our aim is to help meet this need by developing a residential building that is both highly sustainable Over the past two decades, and highly desirable. It will also become a new landmark thanks Birmingham has had the second fastest to its world class design, adding to the growing city centre population in the genuine mixed use nature of Paradise. UK, ahead of cities like Manchester and , and there are currently 7,000 new residential units either being built or planned across the city centre.*

* Centre for Cities report & BBC, 2020

50 / Octagon Birmingham 51 DELIVERING OCTAGON

Brindleyplace One St Peter’s Square King’s Cross

The buildings at Paradise are being Paradise benefits from the continuity and brought forward through Hermes commitment of this working partnership The combination of Argent’s flair in Paradise Circus Limited Partnership which has already delivered 4.4 million creating successful places – where (HPCLP) managed by Hermes sq ft of development through some of Investment Management with Argent the most significant and challenging people want to live, to work and to be acting as the Development Manager. regeneration projects in the UK including Brindleyplace in Birmingham, Argent and Hermes enjoy a strong track – together with the financial expertise the Piccadilly area in Manchester and record for delivery with a particular the redevelopment of King’s Cross. and resources of Hermes, provides a strength in the creation of successful cityscale, mixed use developments. The driving force behind these solid foundation from which to bring the developments is the enormous amount of thought and effort that is put into vision for Paradise through to reality. creating places that are enjoyable, vibrant and welcoming. Places that have a human scale, that respect their history and context, and connect well with their surroundings and the local community.

52 / Octagon Birmingham 53 THE ARCHITECTS

Eleven Brindleyplace Port Loop

Octagon is being designed by Birmingham- GHA is responsible for the Paradise The GHA approach to design and sustainability based Glenn Howells Architects (GHA). masterplan and a number of can be summed up as follows: buildings in and around Paradise This award winning architecture including Two Chamberlain Square practice works across the country and One Centenary Way. and around the world on high profile, sustainable development projects. It has also designed nearby Eleven Brindleyplace, Cornerblock on Cornwall Street and on Broad Street. Nature designs structures and One & Two Chamberlain Square “organisms to use the least material possible – in other words lean structures. We also strive to make lean buildings and this is because they use less material, are more economic to build and ultimately consume less energy and are better for the planet.”

54 / Octagon Birmingham 55 Being delivered by: