Paradise
Birmingham, UK
Paradise is the latest chapter in Birmingham’s compelling story, and many would consider it to be the most important development that the city has seen in a generation: a place where commerce and culture can come together in harmony to create a new urban neighbourhood right in Birmingham’s civic and historic heart.
Grant Associates worked in collaboration with Glenn Howells Architects on the masterplan approach for Paradise, setting out a series of high-quality streets and spaces that would greatly improve access and provide an enhanced pedestrian experience within the new civic quarter. The landscape strategy aimed to create environments that are convenient and enjoyable for everyone, recognising that streets must be social spaces, not just spaces for moving through, with a heavy emphasis on place-making that will contribute towards making better streets and spaces for people and the public life.
Paradise is transforming Birmingham’s historic heart into an accessible, inclusive and friendly city centre which is healthy, climate-positive and dynamic. Paradise has provided the opportunity to reinstate Chamberlain Square as a place for the city and the Midlands; a dignified and delightful gathering place that meets the flexible needs of the city and its people.
The masterplan and subsequent detailed design and delivery of the public realm has required both a strategic and sensitive design approach. The project was underpinned by strong collaboration and a design philosophy which was people, climate and nature-positive. We spent time developing an appreciation of the place and creating a design response that was sensitive to the local context, history and culture whilst seeking to address global climate and ecological emergencies. Chamberlain Square and the adjoining streets are experienced as an interplay between the architecture, streetscape and the use and animation of the spaces through everyday activities and special events.
Grant Associates continue to develop future phases of the public realm. The public realm, layout and landscaping plans for Phase 2 of the development received unanimous approval by the city’s councillors earlier this year. This includes two new public spaces, tree lined streets and enhanced connectivity to further prioritise pedestrians and reduce vehicle use. This phase will seamlessly integrate with the new public spaces created during initial phase, including Chamberlain Square. It is the next important step in the creation of a truly mixed-use destination for the city.
Project Info
- Client:
- MEPC Birmingham
- Architect:
- Glenn Howells Architects, Eric Parry Associates
- Engineer:
- ARUP
- Planning Consultant:
- Turley
- Project Managers:
- Quantum
- Quantity Surveyor:
- Faithfull and Gould