£50m apartment scheme reaches pivotal point
A £50m residential scheme Birmingham’s Smithfield has reached a pivotal stage in its development.
The Forum, a 333-apartment scheme on the site of the former Silver Blades ice rink, is being developed by Rockspring Property Investment Managers, with Centenary Square contractor Bouygues UK delivering the building with Linkcity as development manager.
The new block (see below) is the first major purpose-built private rented sector scheme to be built in Birmingham.
The topping out of the building was marked at a ceremony with Cllr Peter Griffiths, Birmingham’s cabinet member for housing, laying the final piece of felt on the roof.
The Forum, on Pershore Street, is next to the wholesale markets site and within the 14-hectare Birmingham Smithfield perimeter. Birmingham City Council is currently spearheading plans to regenerate the area, creating new leisure, retail, hotel and cultural space, plus 2,000 new homes.
Cllr Griffiths said: “Developments such as this one will help ease the housing crisis and provide much needed homes. It’s great to return to site and see the progress, including a fully fitted apartment.”
Paul Hampton, partner at Rockspring, said: “The Forum is now watertight, a significant milestone in the construction phase. We are currently glazing and cladding the building, with full interior fit-outs set to commence in Q1 this year.”
Nicolas Guérin, managing director of Linkcity, said: “Having recognised this opportunity to bring the first major purpose-built development of private rented sector homes to Birmingham, we are pleased to have reached this significant milestone.”
Rockspring has appointed Atlas Residential to let and manage the one-bed, two-bed and studio homes, which are available exclusively to let.
Facilities at The Forum include a residents-only gym, communal lounge, a landscaped courtyard and rooftop amenity space.
The first new residents will be moving in from summer 2018.
Pictured at the topping out ceremony are, from left: Nicolas Guerin, Linkcity; Paul Hampton, Rockspring; Cllr Peter Griffiths (kneeling) and Bruno Moyne, Bouygues UK.
The Forum
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