February 9, 2013
Education, Heritage Environments, Landscape Architecture
The University of Birmingham has received planning permission for the proposed redevelopment of the existing student residential accommodation at Chamberlain Hall, The Vale in Edgbaston. Nicholas Pearson Associates, as part of a multi disciplinary team, working with Glancy Nicholls Architects, undertook landscape assessment, provided landscape design services and undertook the Heritage Impact Assessment.
This project is an important development to improve facilities on the University’s campus at The Vale, and will provide 754 bedrooms together with landscape works, car parking and access improvements . The work will include demolition of the Eden Tower and replacement with a new 21 storey building, as well as replacement of the Hampton Wing, Chelwood Wing, Central Kitchen and Eden Wing domestic building, restoration of historic landscape elements, and re-development of car parking.
The Vale is a Registered Historic Parkland and located within the Edgbaston Conservation Area and the proposals needed to demonstrate a sensitive approach to the historic landscape setting and local character, with a design which sought to enhance landscape connectivity. English Heritage and planning officers acknowledged the quality of the design approach and were satisfied that the proposals met with key heritage criteria.
