Exchange Square, Birmingham (Phases 1 & 2), Manchester
- Client
- Nikal
- Architect
- stephenson Studios
- Fire engineer
- Design Fire Consultants
Phase 1: Multi-purpose residential development in an urban village
Exchange Square is an exciting urban village in Birmingham that forms part of the £350m Masshouse Masterplan.
Located close to the main universities and colleges, and directly opposite the new Curzon HS2 terminal, Exchange Square sits between the city’s traditional business and retail districts, and the progressive Eastside.
As well as shops, cafes and restaurants, within Exchange Square sit three tower blocks offering 603 high quality apartments, a 5,000 sq ft residents’ hub including a concierge and members club style private lounge.
We were appointed by the architects, Stephenson STUDIO, developers, Nikal, and contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine, to provide the Building Control Service across all three towers, which connect at their respective bases through a single podium leading to basement parking.
The formation of this central meeting point enforced the need for detailed assessment of all potential fire safety risks. We worked closely with the appointed Fire Engineers and West Midlands Fire & Rescue Service helping to navigate the project through the approvals process.
With the project anticipated to complete in December 2019, plans are underway for a second phase development at Exchange Square – a fourth, 36-storey apartment block and 235-bed hotel.
“We’ve worked with the team on a number of projects and continue to recommend them to clients. They’re professional, personable, easy to contact and deliver an excellent service.
“We’ve worked with other private building control specialists in the past, yet the team’s expertise is what makes them stand out as the best choice. They understand what the project team is trying to achieve and embed themselves to become an integral part of the development, unlike others that solely focus on their individual remit.
“Being able to liaise directly with the right people throughout the team to gather immediate and knowledgeable answers to our questions also ensures that there are no delays in their delivery.” – Keith Hamilton, partner for stephenson STUDIO
Phase 2: Super high-rise residential development is final step in urban village
Phase Two of the Exchange Square development is the £110m final step in Nikal’s Masshouse masterplan.
Phase One of the urban village successfully completed in October 2019, offering 603 high quality apartments over three tower blocks, as well as a range of executive leisure facilities. Now, the two – three-year build of Phase Two is underway.
Planning for the project was secured in December 2019, with work commencing on site in February 2020. The development includes a fourth, 37-storey, 375-bed apartment block and 15-storey, 223-bed hotel to be managed by Premier Inn. The proposal, which will bring the Exchange Development to completion, also includes 7,500 sq. ft of quality retail space and 63 undercroft car parking spaces.
Located close to the main universities and colleges, and directly opposite the new Curzon HS2 terminal, Exchange Square sits between the city’s traditional business and retail districts, and the progressive Eastside.
We have been appointed by the architects, Stephenson STUDIO, developers, Nikal, and contractor, McAleer and Rushe, to provide an Approved Inspector service from feasibility to completion, including advice and formal approvals.
As one of the tallest buildings currently under construction in Birmingham, the Phase Two residential development requires a bespoke fire strategy from below ground level to the top floor of the tower, including a range of additional safety features not typically found in lower rise buildings, such as fire fighting shafts.