œ75m office for B'ham

Work could start in January 1995 on a œ75 million speculative office scheme in the centre of Birmingham. A planning application has been lodged by Richardson Developments and Barberry House Properties.

The 18,400m2, 22-storey scheme is the final phase of the Temple Court project. The first phase was launched in 1992 and involves the refurbishment of the former Lewis's building, being undertaken by Tarmac.

The building, designed by Level 7 Architects, will require the demolition of some old offices on Colmore Circus and Priory Queensway. The size of the scheme will also mean considerable changes to the environment and local roads.