Birmingham's skyline has gained a striking new addition with The Octagon, a towering residential skyscraper that officially becomes the city's tallest building. The distinctive eight-sided structure is set to welcome its first residents within days, marking the completion of a three-year construction project that cost £110 million.
The BBC was granted exclusive access to tour some of the building's 370 apartments before tenants move in. Each floor contains eight units wrapped around a central core, creating what developers claim is a world-first design for its unique octagonal shape. The building's developers describe it as a groundbreaking architectural achievement that sets Birmingham apart from other cities.
From the 45th floor penthouse, visitors can see for miles across Birmingham, taking in iconic landmarks including the BT Tower. The historic BT Tower, which previously held the title of the city's tallest structure, now sits just three meters shorter than The Octagon. However, The Octagon won't hold its record for long – One Eastside, another residential skyscraper currently under construction, will match its height when completed, making them joint tallest buildings in Birmingham.
Andy Bushell, senior development manager at MEPC, expressed pride in the project's contribution to Birmingham's urban landscape. "It's a stunning addition to the Birmingham skyline," he said. "I think it shows the ambition for the city. I think it shows the vision." The development represents a significant investment in Birmingham's future and demonstrates the city's growing appeal as a residential destination.
Dav Bansal, a partner at Howells Architects who oversaw the project, has personal ties to Birmingham as a born-and-bred local resident. He previously worked on converting the Bullring's iconic Rotunda two decades ago and hopes The Octagon will achieve similar landmark status. "A lot of people are asking me if there will be copies of The Octagon," Bansal explained. "There's already a few up north and a few down in the south that have gone into planning, but let's not forget the first one happened in Birmingham. For me, it's about a legacy."
Despite the enthusiasm from its creators, The Octagon has generated mixed reactions from the public. When the BBC surveyed local opinions, many residents described it as a pleasant addition to the skyline. However, some visitors remained unconvinced by the building's aesthetic appeal. Audrey and Keith Wilkinson, originally from England but now living in America, offered a more critical perspective during their visit to Birmingham.
"It's a little ugly, I think," Mrs. Wilkinson commented. "It's unique, let's put it that way. It just doesn't fit in with the rest of the architecture." Her husband Keith echoed similar sentiments, adding: "We like to see the old character and that's out of character with what we're seeing around." Their comments reflect ongoing debates about modern architecture's place alongside Birmingham's historical buildings.
The Octagon forms part of Birmingham's ambitious Paradise Estate development, a comprehensive urban renewal project with a total investment of £1.2 billion. This massive undertaking is transforming the area between Chamberlain Square and Centenary Square, creating a new residential and commercial district in the heart of the city. The development represents one of the largest urban regeneration projects in the UK.
While The Octagon offers residents the opportunity to live in a prime city center location within a rapidly evolving neighborhood, the luxury comes at a significant cost. Rental prices start at £1,400 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, placing the development firmly in the premium housing market. This pricing reflects the building's high-end amenities and central location but may limit accessibility for many potential residents.
Sharon Thompson, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, welcomed The Octagon as an "incredible" addition to the city while acknowledging the need to balance different housing needs. "We're working really hard to make sure we're looking at affordable housing for those that really need it," she explained. "This may be more aimed towards those who want city center living, but that doesn't mean we're going to take our foot off the pedal when it comes to housing in residential areas." Her comments highlight the ongoing challenge cities face in providing both luxury and affordable housing options.
The completion of The Octagon represents a significant milestone in Birmingham's urban development and signals the city's growing ambition on the national stage. As the first residents prepare to move into their new homes, the building stands as a symbol of Birmingham's transformation and its vision for the future, even as debates continue about its architectural merit and place in the city's evolving landscape.
