The proposed scheme would include the demolition of existing buildings on the 1.9 hectare City Forum business park site and the construction of two towers reaching 42 and 36 storeys respectively as well as four blocks ranging from seven to nine storeys.
The new buildings would comprise a total of 995 homes, including 326 affordable homes, as well as up to 5,000 square metres of commercial floorspace, affordable workspace, 3,650 sq m of space for shops, cafes and a health centre, a 190-bed hotel and new public open space.
Berkeley said in its planning statement (136-page / 3.32MB PDF) that it expected the scheme to create 1,000 new jobs and generate an annual spend of £12 million within the local economy.
A 36-storey residential tower is currently under construction opposite the development site at 261 City Road. Berkeley said that, together with that scheme, redevelopment of the City Forum site would complete the "City Road tall building cluster" envisaged in local planning policy.
Berkeley said that the existing buildings would not be vacant until December 2015, however, it said it is negotiating with tenants to bring this date forward. Subject to approval, construction of the scheme will then be carried out in phases over "several years".
