VISION AND PROPOSALS
Our vision for the site is to create a best-in-class Build to Rent (BTR) community that combines exceptional design, operational efficiency and long-term adaptability.
Kier Property is bringing forward plans for new rental homes and commercial space at Arena Central. Underpinned by a green landscaping approach, the new development will provide much needed new homes in the heart of Birmingham while making a positive contribution to the public realm.
We are proposing the following:
- Two well-designed new buildings, fitting in with the surrounding skyline at 31 and 18 storeys high
- 526 new rental homes in a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments
- Space for a retail or commercial use, with an aspiration to include a café for the area
- Resident facilities including lounges, a gym, workspaces social areas
- Attractive landscaped areas, with outdoor seating and places to play
- Pedestrian routes linking to the new Serpentine Walk
- Easy access to central Birmingham’s amenities and travel options
What is Build to Rent (BTR)?
Kier Property is proposing a new Build to Rent (BTR) development at Arena Central, offering high-quality rented homes and improved public spaces. Build to Rent refers to high-quality and purpose-built homes which are designed for rent rather than private sale. This type of housing offers a consistent service and a great living experience, with a focus on community. This approach is ideal for Birmingham city centre, meeting the strong demand for well-managed, flexible homes close to jobs, transport and amenities.
What’s new?
In December 2025, we held an initial pop-up consultation event on our proposals for 4 & 5 Arena Central.
The feedback we received from local residents and the community was positive, with 75% of those we surveyed indicating they held a positive view on our plans. There was support for new homes in this location, along with broad approval for the proposed scale of the development.
Our plans have continued to evolve through discussions with the planning team at Birmingham City Council and upon consideration of the feedback we received at our first pop-up consultation.
The local community suggested we look at the design features to make the buildings really stand out, adding character and giving them their own identity.
Red, brown, orange, and black brick tones reference the textured masonry of the Gas Street Basin and its surrounding industrial heritage, and robust black aluminium elements take inspiration from the ironwork canal bridges and industrial metal structures in the area.
Our updated plan pays close attention to the design of the building, focusing on materials, definition and textures.
We have sought to provide well designed, welcoming entrances to both buildings. We also paid close attention to the crown area of both buildings, utilising arched, broken forms to achieve an elegant, attractive profile that complements the existing skyline.
We have also made a number of smaller changes:
• Increasing communal space for future residents
• Moving the cycle storage to the main entrance to encourage cycle-use
• Reducing the size of the basement to be able to re-use the existing basement walls
That being said, our plans remain broadly similar to those which received notable support in December, with these changes representing an enhancement to those existing plans.
First residents
move in
Community
consultation
Planning
application
submission
Construction
What’s next?
Community consultation
Planning
application submission
Construction
First residents move in
Have your say
We are now conducting a second consultation to reach even more members of the local community and hear your views on our plans! We’d love to hear what you think about:
- Our plans for new Build to Rent (BTR) homes in central Birmingham
- Commercial spaces to provide new options for the local community
- Creating welcoming public spaces and wider neighbourhood benefits
Your feedback will help shape the final proposals before the planning application is submitted. Feedback can be provided using the feedback tab on this website.
