Developer defends vision for massive tower overlooking Gas Street Basin

Plan described as 'vandalism' by Birmingham canal society

- TAMLYN JONES Business Correspondent

A DEVELOPER has defended plans for a gigantic tower overlooking the city’s historic Gas Street Basin after the vision was described as ‘vandalism’

The man behind The Narrowhouse at 52 Gas Street claims the project will serve as an exemplar of sustainable living and what future buildings could look like.

Birmingham-based GNM Developments is leading the £70 million scheme which will be decided by planning chiefs in the coming weeks and could be open by 2029 if approved.

The vision will see the demolition of a historic former nightclub at 52 Gas Street. It will be replaced with a gigantic apartment block reaching 29 storeys with more than 200 ‘co-living units’ and a mix of leisure and workspaces.

Around 43,800 sq ft of solar panels will adorn its exterior which will generate enough power for the residents and surplus for the grid.

The project claims to be the world’s tallest so-called ‘energy-positive’ building - something that produces more energy than it uses via renewable sources - and also a UK first.