Construction of Birmingham’s tallest building has reached a significant milestone. The 49-storey Octagon apartment tower on the £1.2 billion Paradise estate has now topped out. Developers anticipate welcoming the first residents in late summer next year.
The Octagon, standing at 508 feet and fronting onto Parade in the north-west corner of the estate, will house 370 apartments available for rent once complete. The construction, which spans three years, is backed by global real estate investor City Developments. High-rise specialist Midgard has undertaken the construction, adhering to designs by Birmingham-based architecture practice Howells.
A topping out ceremony celebrated this milestone, bringing together the project’s principal partners, team members, and stakeholders. Development and asset manager MEPC is orchestrating the broader vision for Paradise, which comprises up to ten new buildings and three new public squares, combining office spaces and ground-floor leisure establishments.
Neil McGinty, director of City Developments, affirmed the project’s significance: “The original investment we made in the city with The Octagon was rightly recognised as one of the largest pieces of foreign-direct investment made in the UK regions in recent years.” McGinty underscored the commitment to establishing Birmingham as an international destination and emphasised the project’s role in creating a new landmark for the city.
Ross Fittall, commercial development director at MEPC, highlighted the collaborative efforts behind The Octagon: “The topping out of The Octagon is a key moment not just for Paradise but for the whole city which can rightly take pride in this new landmark. It is a celebration of what has been an excellent collaborative effort between the design, delivery, and construction teams and an exemplary build contract undertaken with care and commitment by Midgard, its staff, and sub-contractors.”
Paradise aims to enhance Birmingham’s growing reputation both domestically and internationally, offering numerous new homes for city residents. The innovative project is not only a testament to dedicated teamwork but also a significant addition to Birmingham’s skyline.
The Octagon stands as a beacon of Birmingham’s evolving urban landscape, marking a milestone in the city’s architectural and economic development.