Octagon soars to new heights, as Birmingham counts down to its new tallest building

The world’s first pure octagonal high-rise residential building is now just months away from claiming its place in Birmingham’s history books. With the core reaching level 40 and floorplates reaching level 35, Octagon has already begun offering unparalleled views of the city below.

On completion, the Octagon will stand proudly at 155 meters (410 feet) tall, as a testament to Birmingham’s burgeoning skyline.

The pair of tower cranes have now reached their final height, allowing main contractor Midgard to construct the remaining 10 floors of the building core ahead of its practical completion, scheduled for summer 2025.

The Octagon isn’t just a feat of engineering; designed by Howells Architects, it’s a testament to innovation in architectural design. As the world’s first pure octagonal high-rise residential building, it stands as an example of progress and possibility in Birmingham.

This milestone marks a significant leap forward in Paradise’s commitment to deliver a world-class estate and with a true mixed-use proposition by providing 370 spacious new Build to Rent (BtR) homes.

Birmingham is the second fastest-growing city centre population in the UK, ahead of cities like Manchester and Leeds, with 7,000 new residential units either being built or planned across the city centre.

Backed by global real estate investor City Developments Limited (CDL) of Singapore, the £110m project pays homage to the nearby Jewellery Quarter with its metal-influenced workshops and products.

“As a high-profile tall building with a world-first and highly sustainable design ethos, Octagon will become an important part of the city’s skyline for years to come,” Ross Fittall, Paradise’s Commercial Development Director said.

“We are creating a highly recognisable landmark for our city that will build on Birmingham’s growing reputation both at home and abroad, and the latest milestone in Octagon’s progress is something to celebrate.”

The architecture of Octagon, a pure octagon with eight equal sides, is an exciting world-first for the city, making the building instantly recognisable on the skyline. The shape of the building responds to the plot of land upon which it sits, maximising light in every home and creating unique appeal thanks to the utilisation of both views and space.