Sphere Group, formerly Court Collaboration and Select Property, the strategic partners behind Edition Birmingham, have appointed contractor Midgard to lead the development of the landmark scheme, one of the city’s most prestigious new residential developments.
The £145m contract will see Midgard work towards breaking ground on the 581-home project in the coming months, with phase one expected to be completed in 2027.
Edition Birmingham sits adjacent to Centenary Square, in the heart of the city and close to the Library of Birmingham and the city’s £1.2bn Paradise scheme. It comprises one- and two-bed apartments split between two connected towers: the 46-storey Centenary Tower and Park Residence, which is 15 storeys high.
The development – which has already secured over £85m in revenue through the off-plan sale of apartments – includes wellness and leisure amenities, designed to offer residents a blend of city centre living alongside the experience of a five-star hotel.
Midgard, part of JRL Group, is the trusted contractor appointed to deliver Edition. Midgard has a strong reputation for the delivery of high-rise buildings and is currently finishing the 65-storey Consort Place residential project in Canary Wharf and Sphere Group’s One Eastside in Birmingham. The development phase of Edition Birmingham is expected to create 300 jobs, including 60 apprenticeships and work experience roles.
Midgard will use modular construction methods to increase the delivery speed of Edition Birmingham while maintaining the highest quality. Features include floor-to-ceiling vent screens and mechanical ventilation systems that provide year-round comfortable ambient temperatures to residents while shutting out traffic noise. The buildings also use triple glazing to maintain heat and energy-efficient air-source heat pumps, while the designs mean apartments are positioned to receive the maximum amount of sunlight.
Alex Neale, CEO of Sphere Group, said: “Edition Birmingham is visually stunning and will be built to the very highest standards of safety and quality. We’re very pleased to have Midgard on board as our contractor and we can now look forward to breaking ground and bringing this world-class development to Birmingham. Edition offers residents the experience and amenities of a five-star hotel alongside the comfort of a luxury apartment. The location means residents can enjoy the city’s world-class cultural and leisure offer while being only minutes from key business districts like Colmore Row.”
Adam Price, CEO of Select Property, said: “Birmingham offers a compelling investment opportunity. Rents in the city are rising at the strongest rate for any big city outside London, underpinned by strong fundamentals, such as ongoing investment in the centre and an expected 25% population increase between now and 2040. Edition is hugely exciting and reflects our goal of bringing to market developments that are shaped by people and place. It will be at the heart of a transforming Birmingham.”
Kevin Keegan, Director of JRL Group and Midgard, added: “We are delighted to be entrusted with delivering another major project in Birmingham. Edition will be a major milestone in the redevelopment of the Birmingham skyline and we are excited to be involved in such a high-quality development.”
Edition Birmingham offers 23,000 sq ft of amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, a 44th floor gym and a 9,000 sq ft podium terrace with cinema screen and a barbecue area. The development features a sky lounge and private dining experience. Plans for Edition Birmingham also include a co-working lounge, called The Study, and outdoor co-working space on the 14th floor.
SOM is providing engineering consultancy on the development, with interior design from Weedon Architects.