VTP200

Infobox building
building_name = VTP200

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caption = An artist's impression of what the design that was unveiled at the public consultation in 2007.
building_type = Tourist attraction, hotel
architectural_style = Ultramodern
structural_system =
location = Birmingham, England
coordinates =
start_date =
completion_date = 2010 (if approved)
demolition_date =
height = 200m (656 ft)
floor_count = 10
main_contractor = Pettifer Estates
architect = RTKL
structural_engineer =
services_engineer =
civil_engineer =
other_designers =
quantity_surveyor =
awards =

The VerTiPlex 200, or VTP200 as it's more commonly known, is a proposed 200 metre leisure and observation tower that has been designed by architects RTKL-UK to be built by ROC International in Birmingham, England. It will be located adjacent to Millennium Point and is part of the regeneration of the Eastside area of Birmingham. At an estimated cost of £95 million, it will feature external glass lifts which will be able to transport people from a 'shimmering gold base'. There will also be a hotel, café bars and restaurants. It will also feature a series of observation decks that will offer panoramic views of the city and surrounding region up to a distance of more than 33 miles. If the proposed building is submitted and approved by Birmingham City Council then it is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2010.

Layout proposal

Visitors will be able to access three rides from an observation level: 'Flight Trainer', 'Giant Drop' and 'Seesaw' and will be able to take part in these activities: 'Walk of Fear', 'Sky Jump', 'Bungee Jump' and 'Climb To The Top' all of which have been specially designed for VTP200. There will also be a more leisurely ride experience in the slowly revolving glass Gyro Tower which rises as it turns to reach a height of 190 metres. Visitors could then complete the 10 metre climb to the very top.

=Elements= Whilst totally unique as the first purpose built VTP in the whole world, the VTP200 has taken elements from the Stratosphere in Las Vegas and the Macau Tower, where leisure rides normally associated with theme parks have been brought into the city centres.

Location

VTP200 will be located adjacent to Millennium Point in the 425 acre Eastside Regeneration area of the city. It will overlook the proposed City Park, which will be completed at the same time in 2010 and will be integrated into the design of the development. A commitment to sustainability on the part of Pettifer Estates will see the addition of a living 'green' roof to the base building and landscaped 'green' walls along the two side elevations. VTP200 will also be highly accessible for visitors from all over the UK, and only walking distance from the Bullring shopping centre and a 10 minute walk from Birmingham New Street station. [ [http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/LOemail/wider_newsdetail.cfm?codeID=33733 Leisure Opportunities Article] ]

Job opportunities

The tower is expected to attract more than 1 million visitors in its first year and create almost 700 jobs (over 500 in Birmingham) during the two year construction period. Once it is completed, it is estimated that VTP200 could lead to the creation of around 650 full time jobs, 5% of the 12,000 target for Eastside. As the city's tallest building it will also feature the UK's highest observation level. [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2007/09/13/vtp200_public_launch_feature.shtml BBC Birmingham VTP 200 feature] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.vtp200.com/ Official VTP200 website]
* [http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=307837 Emporis - Building ID 307837]