Birmingham City Council has approved plans to use Compulsory Purchase powers to unlock space for a new office development scheme in the city centre.

London and Continental Railways's (LCR) plans to redevelop The Axis building on Holliday Street will create one million sq ft of new Grade A office accommodation and a new public square.

Features will include four modern office buildings with cafes, restaurant and retail opportunities at ground floor, formed around public open space featuring over 100 new trees. In addition, the plans include high environmental credentials, with features such as winter gardens and terraces with food growing spaces for employees and a running track.

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Birmingham City Council will now look to implement the Compulsory Purchase Order process, allowing development to start on site in a year's time.

LCR Development Manager, Nick Clough, said: "The council's resolution to grant the use of a CPO is a fundamental step forward in delivering this important development for the city. Axis Square will cater to the increasing employment needs of the region, both for government and the private sector, with office space for 10,000 people, and contribute around £300 million to the local economy.

"The development has been designed with sustainability and health at its heart and we are keen for the benefits of this to be felt by the wider public through the inclusion of new public spaces and an enhanced retail offer.

"We look forward to getting our highly anticipated plans off the ground so that this city centre site can finally reach its potential in contributing to the city of Birmingham."

(LM/MH)