Edition Birmingham, one of the city’s most prestigious residential developments, has become among the first schemes of its kind to gain approval from the construction safety regulator, as developer Sphere Group, alongside its strategic partner Select Property, prepare to begin work on the flagship scheme.

The Building Safety Regulator has granted Building Safety Act Gateway 2 approval to the 581-home development, which is close to Centenary Square and the £1.2 billion Paradise scheme, in the heart of Birmingham.

The confirmation of the approval comes after Sphere Group and Select Property in October revealed that all 149 apartments in Edition’s first tower, Park Residence, have sold out. The development has so far generated over £108 million in revenue.

The Gateway 2 mark, introduced in 2023, is awarded only after a rigorous application process and confirms that developers have considered building safety at every stage of the design. Edition Birmingham is the city’s first skyscraper residential development to secure the approval.

It means phase one – Park Residence – is expected to be completed by 2027, with the adjoining, 150 metre-tall Centenary Tower following in 2028.

With Midgard, part of JRL Group, as lead contractor, the scheme is expected to create 300 jobs in the construction phase, including 60 apprenticeships and work experience roles.

Residents of Edition will have access to an unmatched range of wellness-led amenities and benefits. Alongside cutting-edge gym and spa facilities, residents will enjoy a 20-metre above-ground swimming pool with an accompanying hydro pool, plunge pool, sauna and steam room. Residents will also be able to scale a climbing wall overlooking the city from the 46th floor before relaxing at the sky lounge with private dining experiences on the 44th and 45th floors.

Meanwhile, the development includes a premium co-working lounge, called The Study, and outdoor co-working space on a 14th-floor garden terrace. Other outdoor amenities include a 9,000 sq ft podium terrace with a cinema screen and a BBQ area that connects the two buildings.

Thomas Taylor, managing director of Sphere Group, said: “The new Building Safety Act Gateway 2 introduces some of the most stringent safety requirements in the world, making the UK a market leader and one of the safest places to invest. Securing Gateway 2 approval is a major milestone and underlines our commitment to ensuring that Edition Birmingham is built to the very highest standards of safety and quality.

“The global demand for investment into Birmingham demonstrates that it’s a city of unmatched potential and opportunity. We can now look forward to starting work on Edition Birmingham in the coming weeks, bringing this world-class development to the city.”

Adam Price, CEO of Select Property, said: “Birmingham has so much going for it, from a young and growing population to major investment in the city centre and high-growth businesses. That’s reflected in a strong property market. It’s a city on the rise and Edition sits at the heart of it. We’re really pleased with the appetite to own the property assets within Edition, with all apartments in Park Residence sold out and strong demand for properties in the adjoining Centenary Tower. Investors and owner-occupiers alike are keen to own a part of the most prestigious residential development in Birmingham city centre.”

Edition Birmingham’s designs were led by Weedon Architects with support from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). The development has financial backing from Eldridge Real Estate Credit, the real estate investing strategy of Eldridge Capital Management, and PGIM.