Plans for a new 95-home waterside development at the former Tower Ballroom site by Edgbaston Reservoir have been revealed through stunning new images. The proposed estate will replace the demolished ballroom with a mix of net zero affordable housing aimed at homeless families currently living in temporary accommodation, shared ownership homes for first-time buyers, and affordable rental properties.
Developers Keon Homes and Midland Heart have submitted detailed proposals to Birmingham City Council that describe the scheme as potentially one of the largest net zero affordable neighbourhoods in the country. The homes will feature solar panels and low carbon heating systems, with construction methods focusing on sustainability, using low-embodied carbon materials and supporting the local economy through employment and apprenticeship opportunities.
The project also includes plans to create two substantial biodiversity areas and new publicly accessible green spaces for residents to enjoy, as well as refurbishing the historic lodge on site for community group use. Street lighting will be reduced to protect local bat and bird populations.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism from local campaigners, including the Friends of Edgbaston Reservoir, concerned about the impact on the reservoir’s status as a nature reserve and a sanctuary for wildlife. Around 100 residents attended a recent consultation event to express fears that the development could threaten this fragile environment and undermine Birmingham’s ambitions as a City of Nature.
The former Tower Ballroom, once a popular dance hall and nightclub, closed in 2017 and was demolished in 2022 after years of decline. Although several planning applications for hotels and apartments have been submitted over the years, none have advanced to construction until now.
Midland Heart emphasises its long-term commitment to the site and community. The housing charity, operating for over 100 years, intends to own and manage the homes for decades to come, supporting families on the council’s housing waiting list, which currently includes nearly 8,000 households and 15,000 children.
The planning application is undergoing validation by Birmingham City Council and will shortly be published on the council’s website, allowing formal objections and comments to be submitted before the decision process begins. Meanwhile, Keon Homes and Midland Heart continue to engage with local residents as the project progresses.
“We will continue these conversations with the local community throughout the planning process and construction, as well as during our long-term management of the site,” the developers stated.
This development is part of a wider effort to tackle Birmingham’s growing housing need, addressing shortages while aiming to preserve environmental value at one of the city’s treasured waterside locations. Keon Homes and Midland Heart are also collaborating on the Port Loop project in Ladywood, demonstrating ongoing investment in sustainable urban regeneration.