Birmingham planning committee was forced to reconsider already approved plans after a campaign to save the Ringway Centre, deemed to be a brutalist icon of Birmingham.

Yesterday planners gave the final go-ahead to bulldoze the building at Smallbrook Queensway.

Developer CEG welcomed the decision and said it would now start work clearing the way for thr 1,750 home scheme.

CGI of replacement Smallbrook Queensway scheme at street level

Its hybrid application consists of detailed plans for a 48-storey tower, including a 9-storey podium, comprising 571 build to rent flats, and outline plans for two other towers rising to 44 and 56 storeys.

James Shimwell, Head of Residential Development at CEG, said: “We are delighted the Planning Committee has once again supported our proposal to transform the Smallbrook Queenway Buildings for the benefit of the whole city centre.

“Work will begin as soon as possible to clear the site and deliver the new homes and public spaces that Birmingham so desperately needs.

“We are grateful to BCC’s Officers, members of the planning committee, and the local business community for their thoughtful consideration of this vital scheme.

“Having now twice supported the scheme through the appropriate process, the Council has made a clear and unambiguous statement that the city is open to investment that revitalises the city centre and benefits everyone.”

Together the three towers are expected to cost around £350m to build, supporting 175 jobs over a 13-year phased construction programme.

Plot SBQ3 at Smallbrook Queensway, which received detailed planning, will be brought forward in the first phase

Demolition contractor Wring Group is in the frame to demolish the famous curving brutalist Ringway Centre built by Laing in 1962.

Initial demolition works will flatten the first two-thirds of the Ringway Centre building clearing the way for the first phase of the scheme which will see SBQ3 plot built.

The plans also include three planned new public spaces at Hurst Plaza, Wrottesley Steps, connecting Wrottesley Street with Smallbrook Queensway, and Smithfield Steps.