Central Village Scheme wins approval
The City Council's Planning Committee has given the go ahead to the £160m Central Village scheme.
The proposals by Central Regeneration have been revised following opposition to the 38 storey tower originally suggested.
This revised scheme comprises five glazed structures, the tallest 25 storeys and the others, 20 floors, two nine-storey buildings and a five-storey structure. The buildings will run parallel with Renshaw Street and take in the site behind Lewis's, where there will be two linked residential towers.
The development will include a nine-storey, 159 bed hotel, more than 400 apartments, shops, bars and restaurants. A "canal" like water feature with fountains and other paved areas will greatly enhance the public realm in this area.
Richard Peel, director of developer Merepark, said:
"We're delighted that Central Village will now come to fruition, and we've put great emphasis on negotiating with all parties to retain the scheme's commercial viability and the positive impact it will have on the local area.
"Deliverability is now the key, and if you look at our track record and that of our joint venture partners you will see that a project of this scale is well within our capabilities.
"This scheme will breathe new life into a derelict piece of land, helping to enhance the city's' appeal as both a visitor destination and place to live. We now hope to be on site for the first phase of development by early 2007."
The outdoor area includes a stepped water feature and a light bridge across the waterway into a new square, about which Lady Doreen Jones, planning committee chairman, commented:
"I have been on numerous visits to this site over the years, and I think this scheme is superb. The water feature is really exciting, and I much prefer it to the fountain in Williamson Square. At last, something will be done to this site and I look forward to it being completed."
The development will be phased over four years. The scheme is bounded by Bold Street and Renshaw Street and encompasses Newington Street and Heathfield Street, as well as linking with Central Station.