Curzon Wharf: World’s First Mixed-use Net Zero Carbon Ready Development
Birmingham has always been the home of innovation in the UK, and the latest news regarding Curzon Wharf, the first mixed-use net zero carbon ready development, is no exception to the rule.
With permission granted for the 53 storey build-to-rent tower, which will cost an estimated £350m, Curzon Wharf will become the tallest building in the city. Woodbourne Group will be delivering the project, and being Birmingham based gives unique advantages for project delivery.
Interestingly, this 53 storey project will be net zero ready once completed while delivering nearly 500 rented homes, with further developments providing student accommodation and a further 122 homes.
Wider city regeneration must be coupled with new developments
Having a specific focus on city regeneration and delivering more than just housing for the citizens around Aston and Birmingham University, Woodbourne Group will also provide 130,000 sq ft of office space, 3,000 sq ft of retail space, more than 15,000 sq ft of leisure space, and 76,424 sq ft of new and improved public realm.
Tani Dulay, Chief Executive of Woodbourne Group, highlighted his satisfaction with the prospect of delivering what would be a: “World class development for a city I’m proud to call home.”
Paul Kitson, Director of Place, Prosperity, and Sustainability at Birmingham City Council, said: “Being home to the world’s first mixed-use net zero carbon ready development is something we’re immensely proud of.”
We’re delighted that the £360 million development has been given the green light to rejuvenate a key gateway into the city, as well as becoming another key piece of the Birmingham skyline.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street also hailed the scheme’s focus on providing young developers and workers with the platform to utilise their innovation, saying: “Birmingham is proud to have young entrepreneurs like Tani who have the persistence and enthusiasm to drive us towards a brighter and more sustainable future.
Andy Street welcomes local innovation from the next generation
Continuing, Andy Street explained: “His tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to creating the world’s first mixed-use net zero carbon ready development are a testament to his determination to make a difference.”
Building a housing project on this scale and delivering it as net zero ready will certainly catch the eye of developers around the UK, and the world for that matter. It will make for an interesting blueprint for others to follow, especially as many housing plans won’t entail a 53 storey request, so may be easier to deliver once the framework is in place.
It could also prove to be a turning point in delivering new high rise flats that will need further retrofitting in the near future, saving overall time, costs and CO2 emissions. It has been widely reported that many new builds don’t meet passivhaus standards and will need further work to boost EPC ratings.
