Birmingham’s build-to-rent boom shows no signs of slowing as a 2,000 home Digbeth scheme wins approval. But whilst the decision means one step forward for developer HUB, it is one step backward for Court Collaboration, whose 51-storey plans have been held back by a Birmingham city council bungle.

HUB has won approval for the Digbeth coach station site after a joint application with National Express.

The live-work destination, masterplanned by architect shedkm, will bring up to 2,000 new homes to a 6-acre site including homes for sale, homes for rent and a 950-bed student accommodation, part of a rapidly growing sector. The new homes, creative workspace and a diverse mix of leisure and retail amenities will be linked by more than 2 acres of public realm.

HUB concluded the development agreement with National Express in January 2019. Avison Young acted as planning consultant for HUB, with Vail Williams supporting National Express.

The good news for HUB comes as Court Collaboration experiences frustration. Its 667-apartment build-to-rent scheme at One Eastside has had its planning permission frozen after it transpired an objection had not been reported to councillors.

Court Collaboration will now have to resubmit the proposals to take into account the objections from the Victorian Society that planners had not mentioned, Business Desk reported.

Revised plans for the controversial 51-storey tower were approved as far back as December 2019.

The £225M plan for One Eastside was due for completion by Q3 2024.