Plans have been approved by Birmingham City Council for the Newhall Square canalside development in the city’s Jewellery Quarter, which consists of more than 200 residential properties and a public square surrounded by new retail units.

We have lead this scheme, developed by Spitfire Bespoke Homes Ltd and IM Properties, which occupies the former site of the Elkington & Co. Electroplating works and subsequently Birmingham Museum of Science and Industry on Newhall Street and Charlotte Street.

Birmingham City Council Planning Committee members praised the design’s ‘thoughtful approach’, which included the conversion of two Grade II listed buildings.

The scheme offers private rented sector (PRS) one- and two-bedroomed apartments and townhouses plus a range of residential amenities including concierge services and residents’ lounge.

The provision of new inclusive residential accommodation, combined with retail and commercial spaces all based around a public square that will link the city centre to the Jewellery Quarter, as well as the short stay accommodation already on the site, will create a lively and vibrant community conducive to the type of creative industry and thinking already present within the Jewellery Quarter and which the Big City Plan looks to enhance.

Associated Architects Director Richard Perry said:

“We’re obviously very pleased to have reached this milestone on such a significant project for the Jewellery Quarter.

It has been a real collaborative effort, achieved through constructive engagement with stakeholders, including Planning and Conservation, Historic England and the Victorian Society.

It’s great that permission has been granted for this high-quality scheme, regenerating a substantial site that has laid derelict for too long.”