# Curzon Gate

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Housing development in Birmingham, England

This article is about the place in England. For the gate in India, see [Curzon Gate, Bardhaman](/source/Curzon_Gate%2C_Bardhaman).

Construction work on Curzon Gate.

The site prior to start of construction

**Curzon Gate** (also known as **Curzon Gateway**) was a residential development located on the edge of [Birmingham City Centre](/source/Birmingham_City_Centre), [West Midlands](/source/West_Midlands_(county)), England, on a prominent gateway site into the city centre. The land was formerly occupied by [Castle Cement](/source/Castle_Cement) silos.[1] The 4-acre (1.6 ha)[1] site was located in the [Eastside](/source/Eastside%2C_Birmingham) area, which is currently witnessing a large-scale regeneration scheme. It was located next to [Curzon Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Curzon_Park,_Birmingham&action=edit&redlink=1) and opposite [Eastside Locks](/source/Eastside_Locks), both of which are developments. It was bounded by a railway viaduct to the south and a road junction on the [A4540 road](/source/A4540_road). It was separated from Curzon Park by the [Digbeth Branch Canal](/source/Digbeth_Branch_Canal).

The government's plan for [High Speed 2](/source/High_Speed_2), published on 11 March 2010, requires the use of the Curzon Gate site. The development closed to student residents in the summer of 2018 and demolition work has started. Other student accommodation was built in the nearby areas to account for the loss of Curzon Gateway.[2][3]

The land receives its name from [Curzon Street railway station](/source/Birmingham_Curzon_Street_railway_station_(1838-1966)) and five underground railway tunnels are located directly underneath the site where they terminate. The extension and reuse of the tunnels had been proposed for railway expansion in Birmingham, however, the proposals did not develop. These railway tunnels terminated at the Digbeth Branch Canal however when the Castle Cement silos were constructed, the tunnels were filled in up to Lawley Middleway.

The developers were the Eastside Partnership and the agent are [Drivers Jonas](/source/Drivers_Jonas).

## Planning history

Initial planning permission was blocked by the [High Court](/source/High_Court_of_Justice) following intervention by [MacDermid](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MacDermid&action=edit&redlink=1) who were given permission previously to store hazardous chemicals on their Eastside site. This meant that all planning applications within a 0.5 kilometres (0.3 mi) radius of their site had to be approved by the [Health and Safety Executive](/source/Health_and_Safety_Executive). However, [Birmingham City Council](/source/Birmingham_City_Council) had ignored the HSE which led to MacDermid appealing to the High Court. However, planning permission was granted later.[4]

On 12 October 2006, an outline [planning application](/source/Planning_application) for the development was presented before the planning committee who decided to defer it due to [Section 106](/source/Town_and_Country_Planning_Act_1990#Section_106) payments.

Through previous consideration of the application an agreement over the Section 106 issues between [Birmingham City Council](/source/Birmingham_City_Council) and the applicant was signed and completed on 31 January 2005. It provided for contributions on the overall site with overall site being defined as the Castle Cement site (which Curzon Gate will be situated on) and the [Parcelforce](/source/Parcelforce) site (which will be covered by Curzon Park).

## Construction

The [Castle Cement](/source/Castle_Cement) silos were removed in 2005. Phase 1 of the development commenced the following year. Phase 1 consisted of 748 student units as well as community facilities. It was operated by [Unite Students](/source/Unite_Students), and opened to residents in July 2008.[5]

Phase 1 topped out in January 2008.[6] Phase 2 would have consisted of a 12-storey tower with 260 private dwellings. As well as this, there would have been a two-storey car park with 210 parking spaces, including 13 for disabled drivers, a café on the ground floor of one of the towers, a gym, retail facilities and a public open space. Phase 2 did not begin construction.[7]

## Design

The Eastside area was initially masterplanned by [HOK International](/source/Hellmuth%2C_Obata_and_Kassabaum)[8] and the Curzon Gate scheme was designed by [Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hadfield_Cawkwell_Davidson&action=edit&redlink=1).[9]

Phase 1 took its shape from the curve of the road junction. The block was of contemporary design with ivory-coloured stonework on the ground and first floor. The upper floors had glazed curtain walling, [powder coated](/source/Powder_coating) windows, galvanised steel balconies and a standing seam roof. The 11 storey block was 31 metres (101.7 ft) tall.

Phase 2 would have had 120 two-bed flats (including seventeen duplex units), 99 one-bed flats (including seventeen [duplex](/source/Duplex_(building)) units) and 41 studio flats and 210 parking spaces and would have been in a development of the following heights:

- 3–6 storeys fronting the canal with an additional seventh storey at the corner facing the proposed access road (south-western corner of the site)

- 2–7 storeys facing the railway viaduct

- 6–9 storeys fronting on to the new central street

- 12 storey tower fronting on to Curzon Street.

## High Speed 2 and demolition

On 11 March 2009 the government announced a plan for a high-speed rail line from London to Birmingham, known as [High Speed 2](/source/High_Speed_2). The rail line would terminate at a [new station](/source/Birmingham_Curzon_Street_railway_station) close to the site of the old [Curzon Street railway station](/source/Birmingham_Curzon_Street_railway_station_(1838-1966)).

The report indicated that the Curzon Gate site would be required for the approach tracks to the new station. This would require demolition of the completed Curzon Gateway buildings and cancellation of or major changes to all developments planned in the block of land between Curzon Street and the railway.[2][3]

The site closed to student residents in summer 2018 and demolition followed.

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-BCC_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-BCC_1-1) ["Eastside – Curzon Gateway"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070930203648/http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/GenerateContent?CONTENT_ITEM_ID=81576&CONTENT_ITEM_TYPE=0&MENU_ID=12175). Birmingham City Council. Archived from [the original](http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/GenerateContent?CONTENT_ITEM_ID=81576&CONTENT_ITEM_TYPE=0&MENU_ID=12175) on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 24 May 2008.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-plan_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-plan_2-1) ["Water Orton Corridor, Fazely Street Station, Plan Profile Sheet 6 of 7"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100401040553/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/route/bhammap06.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/route/bhammap06.pdf) (PDF) on 1 April 2010. Retrieved 12 March 2010.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-hs2report_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-hs2report_3-1) ["High Speed Rail: London to the West Midlands and Beyond. A Report to Government by High Speed Two Limited. Chapter 3 p118"](http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100409201346/http%3A//www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/hs2report/pdf/chapter3c.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/hs2report/pdf/chapter3c.pdf) (PDF) on 9 April 2010. Retrieved 12 March 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** David Blackman (2005). ["Toxic chemicals halt Birmingham schemes"](http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=3059664). Building. Retrieved 24 May 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Curzon Gateway in Birmingham"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080420051535/http://www.unite-students.com/HMSOnline/QuickSearch.do?propCode=B4CURZON). Unite Students. Archived from [the original](http://www.unite-students.com/HMSOnline/QuickSearch.do?propCode=B4CURZON) on 20 April 2008. Retrieved 24 May 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Neil Nickolds (19 January 2008). ["Curzon Gateway tops out in Eastside"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080315154830/http://www.emporis.com/en/bu/nc/ne/?id=101973). Emporis. Archived from the original on 15 March 2008. Retrieved 24 May 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Curzon Gateway Residential Tower"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121021071639/http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=curzongatewayresidentialtower-birmingham-unitedkingdom). Emporis. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Hamilton beats HOK over Birmingham masterplan"](http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=3047002). Building. 2005. Retrieved 24 May 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Curzon Gateway Student Residences"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121021071711/http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=294707). Emporis. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2008.

## External links

- [Emporis: Curzon Gateway](http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/cx/?id=curzongateway-birmingham)[*[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

- [Eastside investments PDF](http://80.86.36.120/vault/XDDocStore_5/0166802_%5bEastside_INVESTMT%5d.pdf)[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*] (contains map showing Curzon Gate location)

- [Birmingham.gov.uk](https://web.archive.org/web/20070930203648/http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/GenerateContent?CONTENT_ITEM_ID=81576&CONTENT_ITEM_TYPE=0&MENU_ID=12175)

- [Planning application for Curzon Gate](http://80.86.36.120/vault/XDDocStore_5/0178435_FINAL.Curzon%20Street.Gateway.C0173403FUL.pdf)[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

- [Agenda Topic](http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/xdirectory/public/meetingsAndAgendas/agendaDetails.jsp?meetBodType=Regulatory&meetBodId=353&recordId=63615)

[52°28′56.59″N 1°52′49.46″W / 52.4823861°N 1.8804056°W / 52.4823861; -1.8804056](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Curzon_Gate&params=52_28_56.59_N_1_52_49.46_W_type:landmark)

v t e Buildings and structures in Birmingham, England Highrise (in height order) Sutton Coldfield mast The Octagon One Eastside BT Tower 10 Holloway Circus Chamberlain Clock Tower Alpha Tower Orion Building Sentinels Rotunda 103 Colmore Row The Cube Hyatt Centre City Tower Two Snowhill One Snow Hill Plaza Quayside Tower Colmore Gate McLaren Building Metropolitan House Edgbaston House The Colmore Building Jury's Inn Lloyd House Civic Aston Library Baskerville House Central Police Station Chamberlain Clock Chamberlain Memorial Council House Edgbaston Waterworks Energy from Waste Plant Hall of Memory Library of Birmingham Moseley Road Baths Other baths Municipal Bank Town Hall Town Hall (Sutton Coldfield) Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park Main railway stations Moor Street New Street Snow Hill Other stations Universities Aston University Birmingham City University Birmingham School of Art Birmingham Newman University College Birmingham University of Birmingham Barber Institute Queen's College, Birmingham Hospitals Current Children's City Good Hope Orthopaedic Queen Elizabeth Women's Defunct Accident General Old Queen Elizabeth Selly Oak Witton Isolation Religious Christian Ascension, Hall Green St Agatha, Sparkbrook St Agnes, Moseley St Alban, Highgate St Andrew, Handsworth St Anne, Moseley St Anne, Digbeth St Augustine, Edgbaston St Barnabas, Erdington St Bartholomew, Edgbaston St Benedict's, Bordesley Bishop Latimer, Winson Green St Catherine, Bristol Street St Chad's Cathedral St Cyprian, Hay Mills St David, Shenley Green St Edburgha, Yardley St Edward, Selly Park Erdington Abbey SS Faith & Laurence, Harborne St Francis, Bournville St Francis, Handsworth St Gabriel, Weoley Castle St George, Edgbaston St Giles, Sheldon Handsworth Cemetery Chapel Holy Trinity, Birchfield Holy Trinity & St Luke Holy Trinity, Sutton Coldfield St James, Handsworth St John, Ladywood St John, Perry Barr St John, Sparkhill St Laurence, Northfield St Lazar, Bournville St Martin, Bull Ring St Mark, Washwood Heath St Mary, Acocks Green St Mary, Handsworth St Mary, Moseley St Mary, Selly Oak St Mary's Convent Methodist Central Hall St Michael & All Angels, Bartley Green St Michael, Handsworth St Michael, Moor Street St Nicolas, Kings Norton Oratory St Paul, Birmingham St Paul, Lozells St Peter, Harborne SS Peter & Paul, Aston St Philip's Cathedral St Silas, Lozells Stechford Baptist Islamic Central Mosque Darul Barakaat Ghamkol Shariff Green Lane Jami Jewish Central Synagogue Singers Hill Sikh Guru Nanak, Handsworth Hindu Shree Geeta Bhawan Houses Anchorage, The Christopher Wray Lighting works Edgbaston Hall The Endwood Hay Hall Highbury Hall Moat House Moor Hall Moseley Hall New Hall Manor Northfield Manor House Peddimore Hall Penns Hall Pype Hayes Hall Sheldon Hall Stratford House Winterbourne Hotels Grand Hotel Hyatt Regency Hotel Indigo (The Cube) Jurys Inn Radisson Blu Resorts World Birmingham Other hotels Pubs Adam & Eve Anchor Inn Antelope Bartons Arms Black Horse Brookhill Tavern Crown (closed) Crown Inn Fighting Cocks, Moseley Fox and Grapes (demolished) Golden Eagle (demolished) Lad in the Lane Old Crown Queen's Arms Red Lion (Handsworth; closed) Woodman Complexes Brindleyplace Bull Ring Friends' Institute International Convention Centre Mailbox Grand Central Longbridge plant Paradise Swan Shopping Centre Art and theatres The Alexandra Barber Institute Birmingham Odeon Crescent Drum Royal Cinema, Sutton Coldfield Hippodrome mac Rep Oak Cinema Odeon, Kingstanding Old Rep Piccadilly Symphony Hall Museums Aston Hall Back to Backs Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Blakesley Hall New Hall Mill Newman Bros Coffin Factory Sarehole Mill Selly Manor/ Minworth Greaves Soho House Weoley Castle Sports venues Alexander Stadium Edgbaston (cricket) Edgbaston Priory Club St Andrew's Villa Park Other 1–7 Constitution Hill 17 & 19 Newhall Street Arena Birmingham Ashford & Son Assay Office Birmingham Banking Company Birmingham Crematorium Bromford Viaduct Castle Bromwich Assembly Chinese Pagoda Fort Dunlop Gas Retort House Gas Street Studios Great Western Arcade Holliday Street Aqueduct ICC Millennium Point New Street Signal Box Perrott's Folly Perry Bridge Prison Proof House Ringway Centre Roundhouse Saracen's Head Selfridges St James's House Victoria Square House Victoria Law Courts Victoria Works Woodcock Street Baths Demolished Aston Hippodrome Birmingham Manor House Bishop's House Bishop Ryder Church Bordesley Hall Central Goods railway station Central Library Christ Church Church of the Messiah The Crescent The Exchange Five Ways Tower Fox Hollies Hall Heathfield Hall Highfield Island House St James the Less' Church Langley Hall Market Hall St Mary's, Whittall St. Metchley Fort Pebble Mill Studios Post & Mail Building Public Office Union Workhouse Architecture Tallest Board schools Listed Scheduled Category

v t e High Speed 2 Infrastructure Aston Church Road Overbridge Automated people mover Balsall Common Viaduct Bromford Tunnel Chiltern Tunnel Colne Valley Viaduct Euston Tunnel Marston Box Rail Bridge Northolt Tunnel Rolling stock Small Dean Viaduct Thame Valley Viaduct Turweston Green Bridge Washwood Heath depot Willesden Logistics Hub Wendover Dean Viaduct Places affected Bodymoor Heath Training Ground Calvert Jubilee Chiltern Hills Colne Valley Regional Park Cubbington Woods Curzon Gate Euston Downside Carriage Maintenance Depot Fox and Grapes, Birmingham Jones' Hill Wood Square One Wendover Reception Support Opposition Stop HS2 Stations New/New high speed rail section Birmingham Curzon Street Birmingham Interchange Old Oak Common Manchester Airport High Speed Manchester Piccadilly High Speed London Euston Existing Carlisle Chesterfield Crewe Darlington Edinburgh Waverley Glasgow Central Haymarket Lancaster Leeds Lockerbie Macclesfield Motherwell Oxenholme Lake District Penrith Preston Runcorn Sheffield Stafford Stoke-on-Trent Warrington Bank Quay Wigan North Western York Cancelled East Midlands Hub Heathrow Hub Related high speed projects High Speed 1 High-speed rail in the United Kingdom HS4Air Northern Powerhouse Rail UK Ultraspeed

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Curzon Gate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curzon_Gate) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curzon_Gate?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.