Arena Central, Birmingham

Project team

Client:Dandara Properties

Architect:Corstorphine & Wright

Structural Engineer:Civic Engineers

Main Contractor:Galliford Try

Photos:Creagh Concrete Products Ltd

Date of completion:2019

Arena Central is a two block (17 and 22 storeys) residential development in Birmingham. 

The project utilised precast concrete systems including the building’s structural frame, cladding and balcony units, which fitted the client's brief for a robust finish which would limit the amount of ongoing maintenance required.

The Arena Central project team selected a crosswall concrete solution (Rapidres) for the main structural frame. Crosswall is a modern and effective method of construction that employs factory-produced, precision engineered, concrete components. It uses precast floors and load-bearing walls, and is ideal for buildings of a cellular nature, for example hotels, student accommodation, housing and apartments.

Benefits of this construction approach at Arena Central included the installation of doors and windows offsite as part of the factory process, along with the lifting into place of bathroom pods during the erection phase. This resulted in an impressive speed of construction whilst also working well given the building’s restricted site. 

For more information on offsite concrete construction, see the Offsite Concrete Construction guide.