Strzala Architects were appointed by National Express to provide lead consultant services for a new replacement coach station at Digbeth, with two-storeys over the proposed concourse for National Express’ Head Quarters.

The proposal included extensive demolition of large parts of the existing coach station and adjoining derelict building, completely re-cladding existing sections in distinctive copper cladding (reflecting the historical copper industry in this district), and providing a new green roof canopy which forms the spacious, airy concourse.

As part of the scheme redevelopment of the wider public realm was needed to integrate the coach station into the new masterplan for the regeneration of Digbeth. A 16 bay apron for the coach stands had to be integrated into the surrounding urban fabric, whilst protected with a boundary fence. It was decided that a public competition would be held in which local artists were invited to design a sculptural intervention to treat the site boundary and separate the apron from the public realm.

We provided full architectural design services from Stage 0 to Stage 7 of the RIBA Outline Plan of Work, working closely with the client, other consultants and the contractor to deliver the project on time and successfully.

One of the main desires of the client, National Express, was to make Birmingham Coach Station a building which would not only house their new HQ offices, but would send out a strong message about the importance they place on sustainabible ‘green’ transport as a corporation. As such Strzala Architects placed a strong emphasis on designing a building which would not only make this statement but exceed sustainable goals in operation.

Working alongside a BREEAM assessor we created a building which achieved 2 BREEAM ratings of ‘Excellent’ - one for the coach station elements, and one for the offices.