Canalside apartment scheme set for Jewellery Quarter
Plans have been approved by Birmingham City Council for a new canalside apartment scheme in the city’s Jewellery Quarter.
The Newhall Square development consists of more than 200 residential properties and a public square surrounded by new retail units.
The scheme, designed by architecture practice Associated Architects and developed by Spitfire Bespoke Homes and IM Properties, occupies the former site of the Elkington & Co. Electroplating works and subsequently Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry on Newhall Street and Charlotte Street.
The city’s planning committee praised the design’s thoughtful approach, which included the conversion of two Grade II-listed buildings.
The scheme offers private rented sector (PRS) one and two-bed apartments and townhouses plus a range of residential amenities, including concierge services and residents’ lounge.
The provision of new inclusive residential accommodation, combined with retail and commercial spaces all based around a public square is characteristic of the Jewellery Quarter’s residential renaissance.
Richard Perry, director, Associated Architects, said: “We’re obviously very pleased to have reached this milestone on such a significant project for the Jewellery Quarter.
“It has been a real collaborative effort, achieved through constructive engagement with stakeholders, including planning and conservation, Historic England and the Victorian Society.
“It’s great that permission has been granted for this high-quality scheme, regenerating a substantial site that has laid derelict for too long.”
Listed buildings on the site include The Portico building forming part of 144 Newhall Street and Whitmore Warehouse.
The landscape design will create a vibrant new public space for the Jewellery Quarter and provide an attractive outside amenity for residents along the route of the canal. A central square will provide connections to surrounding streets and the canal towpath, improving links further between the city centre and Jewellery Quarter.
The design proposals were developed in consultation with a number of key stakeholders, including Birmingham City Council, Canals and Rivers Trust and the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust.
The historic Whitmore Canal Arm will be reinterpreted as a water feature to enhance the area’s setting.
Elkington & Co. was established in 1830 and occupied the whole site bounded by Fleet Street, Charlotte Street and Newhall Street. It was here the firm developed and patented the first effective electroplating process.
The Elkington Works façade will be incorporated within the elevation of the new building, repaired and redecorated. It will be repainted to accentuate its Regency-style features.
