Arena Central

Developer Dandara has confirmed that the City Council's planning committee has approved plans for Birmingham's tallest tower - The V Building.

The iconic 50 level tower, which will deliver luxury apartments with restaurant and "Sky Lounge" rooftop observatory, will be visible across the city and add a new dimension to Birmingham's skyline. The Eric Kuhne-designed building takes its name from the elongated "V" that will be built into the external elevations and the scissor-like roof that will slice the Birmingham sky.

Martin Clancy, managing director of Dandara, said: "We aim to create innovative schemes which have longevity; schemes which will become symbolic and schemes that meet a city's aspirations as well as the visions of local people. This is the approach that we have brought to The V Building.

"Our dialogue with the city began just over a year ago when we began to explore our shared vision to create a signature 21st century building to make a bold yet elegant statement for Birmingham. We have engaged and worked closely with all relevant bodies and would specifically like to thank Birmingham City Council's planning department for the professional and efficient manner in which it handled our application. As we celebrate gaining planning consent, we are confident that we have approval for the ambitious scheme we set out to deliver and we look forward to starting onsite, with our in-house teams, and turning our vision into a reality."

The V Building will comprise 706 one, two and three bedroomed luxury apartments, set over 50 levels - at 150 metres tall it is 30 metres taller than any other occupied building in the city which is purposely reflected in its elegant and slender design. The build programme is expected to complete in 2012 and the gross development value is £200m.

The building will act as the residential centrepiece to Arena Central, a 7.6 acre site at the heart of the city and one of Birmingham's most strategically mixed use regeneration sites. It will sit on the southern edge of the development site, adjacent to Alpha Tower to create a powerful and dynamic tower grouping.

Arena Central will be delivered by Arena Central Developments LLP, a joint venture between Miller Developments and Bridgehouse Capital; Dandara is development partner.

Leader of Birmingham City Council Mike Whitby, said: "The announcement of The V Building has brought unprecedented levels of interest from the property world, and has also captured the public imagination. It will be a dramatic addition to the Birmingham skyline - an iconic building for 21st century Birmingham.

"I believe The V Building shows the city's confidence in its future. With a respected developer such as Dandara and internationally renowned architect Eric Kuhne on board, we are working together to transform Arena Central and the West End. The V Building will be a catalyst to further development and we welcome today's news as a major step forward."

The concept of The V Building has drawn unprecedented levels of interest from the property world, but vitally, it has also already captured the public imagination. Such an iconic structure proclaims the city's confidence in its own future and with a respected developer such as Dandara and internationally renowned architect Eric Kuhne on board, we have the right team to transform the Birmingham skyline for the twenty first century."

Clive Dutton, director of planning and regeneration at Birmingham City Council, said: "This city is competing aggressively in the global marketplace to draw in increased opportunities and create wealth for its citizens.

"The emphasis in city centre based residential development is shifting to ensure the right mix of homes and uses is created to appeal to a wide market. In fact, recent research by Knight Frank has stated that only apartment schemes with a true unique selling point such as the iconic architecture which this scheme would deliver, can expect to succeed in the current market.

"The V Building is leading the way for us as a city to throw down the gauntlet and proclaim Birmingham as an international force to be reckoned with."

The start of construction work at The V Building will kickstart development at Arena Central, which has outline planning for two million sq ft of mixed use space including offices, residential, leisure uses and carparking. The site also includes the existing multi-let Alpha Tower and Crowne Plaza hotel which is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment programme. Dandara has been advised on the planning process by Aims Ltd.

More information on The V Building and to register for regular updates, please visit www.thevbuilding.com.