Major Digbeth mixed-use scheme given green light
Developer HUB, along with National Express, has secured planning permission for a major mixed-use regeneration scheme in Digbeth, Birmingham, which it says will create a new live/work destination for the city.
The masterplan, by architects shedkm, will bring up to 2,000 new homes to the area including residential space for sale and rent and student accommodation. The new homes, creative workspace and a diverse mix of leisure and retail amenities will be linked by over two acres of public realm. The scheme will open up 200 metres of previously inaccessible canal frontage, drawing people into the area and uncovering its heritage through the creation of a new waterfront destination.
The six-acre site, bordering the Grand Union Canal and close to the Duddeston Viaduct, is currently home to the West Midlands Travel central Birmingham bus garage. It lies at the heart of the Digbeth regeneration area. HUB’s proposals are the first in a series of large planning applications that are seeking permission within Digbeth.
shedkm was the architect of the masterplan and produced a detailed application for the first phase of development, which also had design input from Glenn Howells and Maccreanor Lavington, with Periscope detailing the public realm.
Damien Sharkey, managing director at HUB, said: “Digbeth is a historic neighbourhood with a long industrial heritage that is now fast emerging as one of the UK’s most creative and lively places. We have worked very closely with the local authority, local community and other stakeholders over the past two years to ensure that our plans fully support the area’s long-term evolution, and we are excited to be moving forward with our first project in Birmingham.”
Adam Cook, UK property director at National Express, said: “We’re pleased to see the approval of this joint application, which represents a fantastic opportunity to support the regeneration of Digbeth in alignment with the National Express environment and property strategy to move to a zero emission bus fleet by 2030. This new development provides Digbeth with an exciting and vibrant destination and will allow our relocation to new efficient purpose built facilities outside of the city centre.”
Hazel Rounding, director at shedkm, said: “shedkm have thoroughly enjoyed working in a collaborative manner with client, local authority and stakeholders of adjoining schemes on this significant vision for the future of Digbeth. We look forward to delivering a bold, characterful and thriving neighbourhood that breathes new life into the area as a crucial piece of urban regeneration.”
HUB concluded the development agreement with National Express in January 2019. Avison Young acted as planning consultant for HUB, with Vail Williams supporting National Express.
