Birmingham office scheme was departure from Centre Point

Two buildings by Richard Seifert Partners in Birmingham have been listed at grade II.

Alpha Tower and the adjacent service block, Suffolk Street, were built in the early 1970s and recommended for listing by English Heritage (EH).

They mark a departure from the practice’s earlier projects such as Centre Point in London which depended for part of their effect on the strong shapes of pre-cast concrete panels.

EH argued that Alpha Tower is one of the most aesthetically successful office buildings in Birmingham with its silhouette and careful detailing giving it a dynamic force.

Its design successfully combined several ideas into a powerful and elegant building which soon became, and has continued to be, one of the most popular landmarks of the mid-twentieth-century rebuilding of Birmingham city centre, said Deborah Williams, regional designation team leader at EH.

“The Alpha Tower and its associated service block, an office block of 1970-73 by George Marsh of the Richard Seifert practice, is a dynamic building which makes plays on its curved form to good effect,” she said.

“The use of light and finishes creates a sense of lightness which ensures that its bulk does not overshadow its neighbours in this important civic centre, creating a landmark which is much recognised and admired in Birmingham.

“As a sophisticated work of an important practice, the Alpha Tower builds on the early design successes of the practice, such as Centre Point, and fully merits listing at grade II.”

The buildings were always intended to be adaptable but the overall plan survives, as well as many examples of careful, original detailing, including staircases, doors and windows.