Arena Central, residential development

Creagh reaches new heights

A two block 22 storey residential building on the site of an old subterranean car park in Birmingham, proved to be a milestone for Creagh and a testament to the true power of offsite manufacture.  

The two blocks house 324 apartments built by Galliford Try and is part of a £40 million build-to-rent scheme for client Dandara Living. Comprising two blocks of 17 and 22 storeys linked by bridges at each level, the development features studio, one bed and two bed apartments with balconies across all elevations. The towers are the tallest structure completed by Creagh across their entire 43-year history.

The decision to use precast concrete systems for the building’s structural frame, cladding and balcony units was taken at an early stage on the project. The brief demanded a robust finish on the building, which would limit the amount of ongoing maintenance needed.  Precast concrete is the ideal material of choice for frame construction and cladding. With this in mind, the project team looked at assorted options for the structure and its subcontractors, before settling on the Creagh team to deliver and install the frame panels, cladding sections, balconies, and floor slab.  The speed and efficiency of construction displayed with this project creates a real sense of momentum.