Birmingham-based developer and investor Sama Investment Group’s plans for a 301-bedroom PBSA scheme in Birmingham could be heading for planning approval.
The PBSA building, rising to 15 storeys, has been recommended for approval ahead of a planning committee meeting next week.
“Our proposals for Pershore Street will transform this vacant brownfield site to deliver a flagship scheme that will bring much-needed student accommodation to the city, while also supporting the wider growth of the area.
“This would be a great addition for the 183,000 students in Birmingham, providing much-needed, high-quality living space in the vibrant Chinese Quarter.
“Alongside supporting the continued growth of our educational institutions, the proposals for Pershore Street will help to unlock rental properties for other residents in the city.”
Bilal Ahmed, Founder, Sama Investment Group
Sama Investment Group lodged plans to transform land off Pershore Street. The site is bound by the Arcadian shopping centre to the north, west and south.
Alongside the accommodation, the development will also offer amenities a gym, lounge and workspace.
“The scale, massing and architecture of the development is appropriate for the location and the design and layout of the accommodation, together with the associated facilities provided, will create a safe, secure and welcoming living environment.
“The design of the proposal development carefully considers its surrounding context including height, materiality and uses to ensure that the development is sympathetic to the local character, as well as ensuring a high-quality, visually attractive development is achieved as a result of good architecture and place making.”
Supporting Statement
The Pershore Street site is a former goods yard which was used to service commercial units within the Arcadian Centre, and has also been used previously as a temporary car park and an outdoor street food market.
Birmingham City Council’s planning committee is set to meet on 28 November 2024 and the PBSA scheme is recommended for approval subject to conditions.
“The provision of 301 units of student housing, for which there is an identified need in the city, is considered to be a significant public benefit of the scheme.”
Report, Planning Committee, Birmingham City Council
This news follows Sama’s recent announcement of planning approval for its Charter House PBSA development in Coventry. The scheme will deliver 130 student beds alongside several amenities including study areas, lounges and a gym, as well as an outdoor courtyard space and garden.
The company also submitted planning permission for its Perryian Works PBSA scheme in Birmingham. The two towers – rising to 41 and 48 storeys – will deliver almost 2,000 student rooms.
