Permission is sought for a 16-storey building with 263 student bed spaces at the old Golden Eagle site on the corner of Swallow Street and Hill Street.
The pub was once a well-known and beloved music venue, but closed in 1984 before being later demolished.
Lyle Bignon, Night Time Economy Ambassador for Birmingham, earlier this year argued that any new building on the junction “ought to recognise one of the city’s most important 1960s-80s music venues”.
Those behind the project previously said the plans would “respect the site’s historic, existing and emerging context”.
“The vision is for a bold proposal which will transform an underused site at a prominent but sensitive location in the heart of Birmingham city centre,” a planning document said.
“It seeks to create a cutting edge and sustainable building that Birmingham can be proud of.
“The proposals will respond positively to the historic context and distinctive emerging character of the surroundings to contribute towards the evolution of the city centre.”
A visualisation of the proposed student block at the corner of Swallow Street and Hill Street in Birmingham. Image taken from design document prepared by Carey Jones Chapman Tolcher (CJCT) on behalf of Orion Land
A council officer’s report published this week said the scheme would provide economic, environmental and social benefits, such as contributing to the city’s housing needs.
But it also acknowledged it could cause “less than substantial/low level” harm to heritage assets such as the Town Hall and The Former General Post Office.
“This harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal,” the report said.
“The designated heritage assets hold considerable historic significance.
“The less than substantial harm which would be caused to their significance by the development is considered by conservation colleagues to reach low levels in all cases.
“In my view, I consider there are enough benefits associated with this proposal to outweigh the heritage harm.”
It went on to conclude the proposed scheme would provide a “high-quality development in a sustainable location on brownfield land.”
“It would […] contribute towards the regeneration aspirations for this part of the city centre,” it added.
As part of the scheme, developers have also proposed shared internal amenity spaces and “commercial use” at the ground floor.
The proposals, which were recommended for approval subject to conditions, are set to be considered by Birmingham Council’s planning committee on Thursday, November 20.