Phase two plans unveiled for £52m transformation of Queensgate Square

Plans for phase two of the £52m Queensgate Square have been submitted, to add 159 luxury apartments on Suffolk Street Queensway.

The new builds will transform a 1950s office block and derelict car park opposite The Mailbox, Birmingham into two blocks – one of 15 storeys and another of 12.

Fifty-five apartments will be classed as affordable housing with the only difference between the luxury apartments being the level of specification when you walk through the door.

The two new-build residential blocks will be set around a communal garden and square, which will be shared with residents of Queensgate House, representing phase one of Queensgate Square.

Designed by D5 Architects, the London-based developer behind the Queensgate Square scheme is The Riverlow Group. This is the developer’s first site in the Midlands.

Max Reisner, spokesman for The Riverlow Group says: “Despite all the recent economic turbulence, the investors we speak with regularly, wherever they are in the world, all know that Birmingham remains rich with investment opportunities.

“Aspirational apartments are always in high demand, especially for rent. We know we get it right because we know we’d love to live in our developments. That level of comfort is important when your neighbour is the Bond Street of Birmingham ie The Mailbox.”

All apartments will feature high-spec kitchens and bathrooms with penthouses having specifically designed live-work spaces. A hotel-style covered foyer will be outside the development for drop-off and pick-up which will be accessed straight off Suffolk Street Queensway.

This foyer will lead into a furnished lobby and post room, as well as a walk into the communal garden and entrance of the new building to the rear.

Works are already underway on phase one, which will see an eight-storey 1950s office block transformed into 68 boutique apartments comprising of studios, one, two and three-bedroom – apartments. The accommodation will be available for rent by mid-2024.

Subject to approval, work on phase two will begin in early 2024.