Developer reveals £1bn regeneration plans for Digbeth
Plans for a huge mixed-use scheme in Digbeth that would bring forward 1,850 homes and 2.2m sq ft of commercial space over the next 15 years have been revealed
Oval Real Estate has formulated the £1bn plans that would cover 42 acres of land covering the area between the Curzon Street HS2 stattion and High Street in Deritend. Also working on the scheme are architects and masterplanners from Studio Egret West, Glenn Howells Architects and Bryant Priest Newman, along with Turley and Birmingham City Council.
The first phase of the scheme will include an extension to the Custard Factory to build new offices and homes.
A new office development called Wild Works will include four, eight-storey buildings. Oval are reportedly in discussions with occupiers.
Meanwhile, the residential element of the first phase will include a rooftop extension of 40 homes called Custard Factory Living.
Oval founder James Craig said: “Oval’s long-term vision is to continue the revitalisation of this incredible post- industrial neighbourhood, growing an independent, individual and industrious community for Birmingham.
“In doing so we hope to develop exemplar buildings that embrace the history of the area as well as the potential of the future, offering new models of working and living.”
Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward added: “It is vitally important that the investment we generate through the arrival of HS2 at Curzon Street supports our thriving creative industry in Digbeth.”
The move follows a 3.8 sq ft scoping report last year.
A planning application has been submitted to Birmingham City Council. Oval says it expects a decision by the end of the summer.
