New-look plans have been unveiled for a residential development in Birmingham aiming to be a benchmark in sustainable housing.

The £60 million canalside project would see the redevelopment of 52 Gas Street and a neighbouring tollhouse to create almost 250 apartments as well as amenities for residents.

Plans for the site were first lodged last summer under the name Gather & Soul but have since been revised and resubmitted, including adding 14 storeys to the original height.

Now called The Narrowhouse to reflect the heritage of the building's location, the number of planned co-living apartments has increased from 161 to 249.

Co-living is a concept whereby private apartments will be created alongside communal spaces such as shared kitchens, lounges and work areas in a bid to encourage a sense of community.

There will also be a cinema, podcast and media rooms, gym and a rooftop terrace, a walkway connecting to the canal and a café on the towpath.

The 2024 proposal was to demolish the existing building at the application site and construct two adjoining blocks of seven and 15 storeys respectively.

Birmingham-based GNM Developments now intends to regenerate the existing complex and build a new tower on top of it to reach a total height of 29 storeys.

The scheme would be covered in 43,800 sq ft of solar panels, harnessing sunlight to create electricity to power the building which would generate more clean energy than it consumes.

It would also feed excess energy into a local microgrid. The project is claimed to be the world's tallest so-called 'energy-positive' building and also a UK first.

Gerald Manton, managing director of GNM Developments, said: "The Narrowhouse is more than a building, it's a statement about the future of sustainable urban living.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to position Birmingham as a global leader in sustainable development.

"With the UK working towards net-zero targets and demand for affordable housing increasing, Birmingham is perfectly positioned to lead this transformation.

"We're calling on the public to show their support and make this bold vision a reality."

Architecture practice Broadway Malyan has designed the scheme.

The building at 52 Gas Street has had several previous uses including as a gun factory, a stables for the canal and home to legendary local nightclub Bobby Browns before it closed down in 2003.