Another milestone has been reached in Birmingham’s Paradise Circus development, with the selection of Eric Parry Architects, a leading contemporary architecture practice, for one of the first office buildings in the scheme, overlooking Chamberlain Square.

Argent, which is delivering Paradise Circus on behalf of Hermes Real Estate, has named Eric Parry Architects as the designer for the second office building, following a four way competition. The practice joins Glenn Howells Architects on this landmark development in the heart of Birmingham.

Renowned for delivering beautifully crafted and well considered buildings that respond to their context, Eric Parry Architects has been responsible for several highly prestigious commercial projects in the City of London and West End. These include 5 Aldermanbury Square, 60 Threadneedle Street and 23 Saville Row. The practice is also responsible for cultural projects involving sensitive historic buildings, including the restoration of St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalgar Square and the highly acclaimed new extension of the Holburne Museum of Art in Bath.

Managing Partner of Argent, David Partridge said: “This appointment, following an architectural competition, is a significant milestone in the project and I would like to congratulate all the firms for their efforts.”

The competition saw four architectural practices – Associated Architects, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), Piercy & Co. and Eric Parry – submit designs for the second building.

David Partridge continued: “The variety and standard of proposals presented to the selection panel was of the highest quality, but Eric Parry Architect’s submission stood out for its creative yet practical design, which successfully complements both the listed historical and contemporary buildings.”

Chris Taylor, Chief Executive, Hermes Real Estate, said: “Paradise Circus will provide a top quality environment centrally located within the core of the city centre, a place where people will be able to work, relax and dwell –high quality building design is an essential part of that. We look forward to working with Eric Parry Architects to deliver this important scheme for the city of Birmingham.”

Practice founder Eric Parry was elected Royal Academician in 2006, one of the highest accolades for a practising architect, and is currently exhibiting at the Royal Academy Summer in London. Commenting on the appointment, he said: “I feel elated to have been awarded this project. Paradise Circus provides us with an exceptional opportunity to put our experience, expertise and flair to best use in designing a modern and sustainable building that responds to its historical and cultural setting.

“We are all immensely looking forward to working with the Paradise team and playing a part in making an exciting place that will attract businesses and visitors for many years to come.”

The transformation of this integral 17 acre site at the heart of Birmingham is scheduled to start with a programme of enabling works in the Autumn, followed by the Phase One infrastructure works which are due to begin early next year.

The Paradise Circus project is being taken forward through a Joint Venture Company between Birmingham City Council and Hermes Real Estate. Argent is managing the design and delivery of the site works on behalf of the Joint Venture Company as well as being the Development Manager for Hermes Real Estate on the commercial buildings.

Joint agents for the scheme are GVA and CBRE.

A website showcasing the proposals for Paradise Circus can be viewed here