Work starts on stalled residential scheme

Work at a stalled residential scheme in Digbeth is back on as housebuilder St. Modwen Homes takes the reins to complete the project.

St. Modwen Homes purchased the 1.19-acre site, St Anne’s Court, at the start of 2019 and committed to complete the delivery of the residential apartment scheme that ground to a halt under the previous developer nearly two years ago.

The development was mothballed after the insolvency of two companies working on the project.

Developments One (Birmingham) Ltd – which was working on the scheme – entered administration following the liquidation of the main contractor developing St Anne’s Court.

The secured creditor, UE Finco Ltd, appointed Simon Plant and Daniel Plant SFP in May 2018.

While St. Modwen Homes will stick to the original concept, some proposed enhancements have been submitted, along with a new name.

Digbeth One 2, which combines the name of the area and the local postcode, will be St. Modwen Homes’ first scheme in the city centre and its first urban apartment project.

When finished, it is intended that the building will be home to a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments; a small number of exclusive penthouse suites; as well as a communal rooftop terrace with views across Birmingham.

Due to the limited ground space on site, the building will be completed in two phases.

Following fit-out and installation, both phases will launch together, and the building will be ready for occupation in the summer of 2021.

Richard Rees, construction manager at St. Modwen Homes, said: “I’m sure residents and business owners will be glad to see progress on the site which has been dormant for many years. We look forward to creating a development that has a strong sense of community for those living and working in Digbeth.”

Dave Smith, managing director at St. Modwen Homes, said: “A bustling melting pot of style, culture and innovation, Digbeth has undoubtedly earned the title as Birmingham’s creative quarter. We are thrilled that this development will be our first urban apartment building in the city, and look forward to bringing our creative and thoughtful approach to Digbeth.”