Selly Oak

Ubu Design were appointed by Interserve to develop the detailed information package for this major new retail and leisure development in Selly Oak, Birmingham.

Working closely with Piper Whitlock Architects we developed the planning stage landscape information into a set of working drawings for construction.

The new landscape provides a generous paved frontage to the new retail frontage, with planting used to provide a transition between pedestrian and vehicle areas.  The scheme also includes a new Sainsbury’s store above ground level parking and contributes to a total of 250,000 sq ft of retail and leisure on the site.  In addition, a new Unite student accommodation block is being constructed adjacent to the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, which forms the eastern site boundary.

Our commission included developing material palettes and reviewing options and colour palettes to create a varied ground plain which relates to the materials used in the elevational treatments.  The planting proposals include areas of native buffer planting and meadow, contributing to biodiversity enhancement; together with formal planting and avenues as part of the approach to the scheme and to soften paved areas.

The proximity of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal provides an opportunity to enhance access to the waterfront with a series of seating walls adjacent to the water, together with a new pedestrian bridge across the canal.

A new plaza space is to be created to the front of the student accommodation block with a series of raised planters providing space for students to relax and socialise; while overcoming issues and constraints associated with below ground services.

The initial phase of the scheme was opened in September 2018 with works to be completed in summer 2019.