Here are the exciting plans for Birmingham Smithfield Phase 1, a once-in-a-lifetime £1.9b redevelopment from a Birmingham City Council & Lendlease Joint Venture.

Hybrid plans submitted in early December have now landed (in January!) and contain full detailed planning for Phase 1 and outline plans for future phases. These detailed plans include:

NEW MARKETS (Plots 5ABC) from David Kohn Architects and Eastside Projects

Bringing together the current Indoor and Rag Markets, this destination market will offer 13,301 sqm of spaces for live performances and events, day and night, along with places to eat, drink & socialise within the new dining hall and a landscaped rooftop garden overlooking Festival Square.

Located to the northern most point, the markets will provide maximum visibility for the new market areas from the commercial and retail heart of the city around the Bullring and St Martin’s Church.

The £100m investment will see first phase improvements to Villa Park and to the wider community, with works starting in late 2023 before completing by the end of 2025.

Driven by spectator demand, Villa Park will accommodate approximately 7,400 new seats to a brand-new North Stand, which will wrap into a hospitality-enhanced Trinity Stand.

Bringing capacity up to 50,065, there is scope to uplift Villa Park even further through refurbishments to the Holte End and Doug Ellis stands in the future.

Outside, ‘Villa Live’ will become a standalone multi-use entertainment, community, and retail destination that promises all-year round events for the local community.

It will house the club shop, food and drink outlets, plus areas dedicated to showcasing the club’s proud heritage and history.

The venue will accommodate between 200 and 2,000 people and will host everything from match day meet ups, televised away games, cultural gigs and festivals, student nights, e-gaming, and corporate and exhibition nights.

7,000sqm of public realm improvements will also be made to the Witton Lane entrance around the North Stand, providing a safe and vibrant space accessible for all.

The redevelopment also opens the door for improvements in terms of transport links to both Witton and Aston train stations, with more space for pedestrians and cars.

Tantalisingly, when it completes in 2025, Villa Park would also be eligible to host major national and international tournament games, including the UK and Ireland’s bid to host Euro 2028.

Aston Villa expansion, images from Aston Villa.

A BOLD NEW BRAND & IDENTITY

CBRE Investment Management has recently announced the completion of exterior work at X10 Brindleyplace, revealing a brand new back to frame £40m transformation.

The investment combines 8 and 10 Brindleyplace to form a new net zero office and commercial environment, one that comes with large open office floors and full height windows. 

Once fully complete in Q1 2023, X10 will offer 210K SF of prime grade A office floorspace, an all-electric system powered by green energy, and one of the city’s largest floorplates, at more than 27K SF.

The façade, redesigned to have the least impact on the environment, now includes new thermal insulation, with all contemporary bricks on X10 locally sourced bricks from a sustainable quarry.

Within, X10 boasts a lavish new double-height reception space and a roastery and a coffee shop.

Adding to the vibrancy is a new public realm, lounges, conference facilities, studios, co-working areas, meeting rooms, podcast facilities, showers and drying rooms, a fitness studio, six new roof terraces, and a public Turtle Bay restaurant.

PROJECT TEAM:

The Pressworks is a stunner firmly in full flow.

Nestled on Northwood Street, just off St Paul’s Square, the historic site is being brought back to life with 48 apartments and a mews house.

Steeped in history and dating back to the 1800s, the site was formerly occupied by a Pressworks. The Grade II* listed building that still stands from that area is now being restored and converted into centrepiece homes.

Blending old world with new, contemporary new builds will flank the listed building and will be set around a quaint landscaped courtyard.

The Pressworks will also deliver a unique new duplex mews house to the site’s rear.

In another subtle nod to history, the site's former press will be displayed as a new design feature within the site's courtyard.

DECEMBER 14 -

MARCH: The Grade II* listed building in question:

Construction images from Stephen Giles; CGIs from Northwood Street Ltd.

Drone images from Stephen Giles; below: Daniel Sturley; CGIs: Glancy Nicholls Architects.

View the site map here.

All blocks are nearing completion and will soon be enveloped by a red Stofix exterior facade, which is in the process of being installed by Caxton Facades and will last roughly 18 months.

All windows are also well advanced, with full installation scheduled for Q2/3 2023, followed by the installation of 582 Juliet balconies.

Completing in 2024, KSB will benefit from healthy cycling and amenity provisions, as well as three flexible commercial units: two to Gooch Street North, and one to the corner of Kent Street.

While the tower and adjoining buildings will have their own concierge and co-working spaces, the heart of the site will feature a three-storey community hub & courtyard space offering informal areas to relax, exercise studios, dining & event spaces, and quaint rooftop garden access.

Residents will have access to a semi-basement for 86 vehicles plus dedicated EV charging points.

Phase 2 (current triangular plot) is closing in on being acquired and will finish off the KSB jigsaw beautifully. It has early stage approval for 98 market dwellings over eight storeys.

Some of the CGIs below are in the process of being updated (brick colour, et all), but their form remains the same.

Drone images from Stephen Giles. CGIs from Glenn Howells Architects.

View the site map HERE

8th October

29th October

Photography by Daniel Sturley

October 30th

Photography by Stephen Giles

5th November

9th November

12th November

23rd November

25th November

26th November

Photography by Daniel Sturley

There are nearly 300 photos of the construction of this building in the Octagon Full Construction Photo Gallery

The BBC will move out from its current home at The Mailbox into a custom-built 84K SF broadcast centre in 2026.

The 1929-built landmark, famous for its production of Typhoo Tea, will become one of Birmingham’s first net zero carbon in construction office buildings. It is on target to achieve a BREEAM ‘outstanding’ rating and an energy performance certificate (EPC) of ‘A’.

The building will be conserved and will house several BBC editorial teams, including The Archers, BBC Newsbeat, BBC Asian Network, BBC Radio WM and Midlands Today. 

The move presents a golden opportunity to catalyse on reinvigorating the wider area and kick-starting investment in Digbeth’s built environment and transport connections.

DEMOLITION:

Over the next decade, there are also plans to deliver up to 800K SF of new residential, office and hospitality accommodation around the new BBC site.

The wider scheme will see more than 10 acres of land around Typhoo Wharf and the adjoining canal basin transformed into a new mixed-use neighbourhood, including public spaces.

Grant Associates is designing the new landscape and urban realm, which will create a new canalside quarter, and the new public square will be delivered in time for the first BBC staff to arrive in 2026.

PARTNERS: Stoford, Benacre 2022 LLP (The Gooch Estate)
ARCHITECTS: Glenn Howells Architects, Grant Associates
QS, PM: Arcadis
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER: Anstey Home
CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: BWB
M&E, SUSTAINABILITY: ESC
CONTRACTOR: ISG
AIR QUALITY, TRANSPORT: BWB
FIRE CONSULTANT: Jensen Hughes
AGENT: Savills & Wallis Real Estate
PLANNING CONSULTANT: Turley
PLANNING APPLICATION NUMBER: 2022/08628/PA

Typhoo Wharf, images from Glenn Howells Architects & BBC.

Brought forward by CEG on behalf of Dooba Investments II Ltd, hybrid plans have been lodged (full & outline) that will see the site fully redeveloped to breathe new life into a vital part of Birmingham city centre.

A modernist favourite, the tired buildings however are widely seen as a physical barrier between two vibrant parts of the ever-evolving city.

SBQ aims to fully reinvent and reconnect itself with the city by delivering the demand for new city centre 1-3 bed apartments and unlocking existing disconnected areas with the provision of new vibrant ground-level uses.

A comprehensive public realm strategy will also be implemented, helping to green the city's core and enhance ties with the nearby Chinese Quarter, Gay Village, the emerging Smithfield district, and unlock development sites next door.

THE PLANS:

Phase 1 (closest to Bullring): Full plans include a 48-storey building accommodating 571 Build to Rent (BTR) apartments, sat above an eclectic array of lower-level retail, commercial, and leisure uses.

Subsequent phases: Two further buildings of 44 (SBQ1) & 56-storeys (SBQ2) are also earmarked, coupled with demolition works, and are being brought forward under outline plans. Both will accommodate well over 1000 new homes, complemented by high quality commercial & leisure uses.

An all-electric affair that will incorporate renewable sources to achieve high standards of energy efficiency, SBQ will undoubtedly act as a catalyst for future development and investment in the area, providing a more aesthetic environment.

Words by Stephen Giles; all images are the property of Corstorphine+Wright.

2014 image from Mac McCreery.

49-51 Holloway Head had stood derelict for over 25 long years.

In the last decade – at least – the site, which had become a target for vandalism, had threatened to be developed, but any optimism soon vanished when the site kept being sold on.

In 2019, Invesco Real Estate took a punt on the area – and Holloway Head is now rising!

We will see four new buildings: two in phase 1; and two in phase 2.

The re-energised site will deliver a new community of up to 485 homes (PRS), in buildings ranging from 10 to 16 storeys, complemented by a host of amenities and a 3,600K SF commercial unit, bringing more vitality to an ever-changing area.

Residents will benefit from landscaped courtyards, lounges, co-working areas, dining spaces, a gymnasium, and roof terraces.

Phase 1 is in full flow and progressing nicely – and is well on course for a 2024 completion.

Phase 2, expected to commence in late 2024/ early 2025, will then see the relocation of the Girl Guides HQ from their current Trefoil House building on Blucher Street, into the new building, enabling the final two buildings to be completed by Winvic.

Words & pictures by Stephen Giles; CGIs from Corstorphine+Wright. 

With a clear aspiration for a necklace of well-designed talls extending from Belgrave Middleway up to Holloway Head island, South Central will become the first of many.

Designed with a curved tram-inspired terracotta façade, South Central will offer an eclectic selection of one to three-bedroom apartments to cater to every need, including eight First Homes & Low-Cost Home Ownership units.

Residents will benefit from an array of amenities, including a Bristol Street-facing commercial unit, a lobby lounge, a concierge, a multi-media community room, co-working areas, and secure storage for up to 76 bicycles.

The crowning feature, however, will be its sky garden; a rooftop space that will offer up a cozy space for the likes of an outdoor cinema, to socialise, exercise, or just simply a place to take in the ever-changing views - which, from these images alone, will be pretty stunning!

Drone photography from Stephen Giles (TW); CGIs from Glancy Nicholls Architects.

The wraps are slowly coming down to reveal a fabulous new façade at Photographic Works.

Blending history with contemporary style, the façade, with its brick piers reminiscent of film strips, is heavily inspired by the site’s former use as a Photographic Processing Works.

The Photographic Processing Works was once occupied by Munn’s Brothers, a company that developed films for companies, such as Boots.

Its redevelopment, bought forward by Hatchbury, designed by BPN, and built out by mac group, rises to four storeys & will soon offer 43 one and two-bedroom apartments along with five duplex townhouses, all for private sale.

All of this will be complemented by communal gardens, private balconies and gardens to select apartments, lift access, private gated car parking & spaces for up to 48 cycles.

Words & construction images by Stephen Giles; CGIs from Hatchbury/ BPN Architects.

2 Snow Hill Plaza is a major 48-storey (G, UG + 46fl) build-to-rent (BTR) development comprising 462 one- to three-bedroom homes, on-site shared amenities, ground-floor commercial, and a new public realm.

Modernist-inspired 2 Snowhill Plaza is being developed by HUB Group, in partnership with pan-European investment manager MARK.

Using a lower carbon approach, the scheme will deliver 228 one-bed (1-2 persons), 189 two-bed (3-4 persons), and 45 three-bed apartments (5 persons), complemented by a mixed-use plinth offering on-site communal amenities, as well as a public ground-level commercial unit.

The plinth will incorporate a multi-levelled entrance featuring a lobby, cycle workshop, and co-working spaces. Venturing upwards, chamfered corners will be made at levels 14 & 22, allowing for lounges & pocket gardens. Additional semi-covered space will also be provided on floor 46.

A new east-west public connection, allowing for fluid walkable routes from Snow Hill Queensway to Weaman Street for the first time since the late 19th century, will also be created.

With 2 Snowhill Plaza predominately car-free, 486 cycle spaces will be allocated alongside 2 off-site disabled spaces, 2 off-site motorcycle spaces, and 2 off-site car club spaces.

Words by Stephen Giles; images from HUB, Metropolitan Workshop.

Follow the development on our socials: Twitter & Instagram; and on our Development Map.

The Lantern is a 12-storey gateway building at the heart of the Solihull 2036 masterplan.

Replacing a vacant two-storey unit, The Lantern will not only improve the legibility of a gateway site by delivering a distinctive and affordable destination that is both viable and technically deliverable, but it will also bring a permanent community base back into the area.

It will offer a range of 50 one- and two-bedroom apartments across ten floors, in a mixture of 14 one-beds, and 36 two-bedrooms.

Its ground floor will be occupied by a modern flexible commercial unit, while the peak will exhibit a stunning lantern tiara-inspired art installation, complemented by a spacious new roof garden for its residents.

FURTHER UNLOCKING OF LAND

Future landscaping works around the site are SBC-owned, but work is underway to unlock the land to introduce new public realm greenery.

The row of shops abutting The Lantern is also coming forward for 48 more homes - again from Winston Group (here).

The Solihull Town Centre Masterplan aims to provide a framework for future investment and development which maximises the opportunities for Solihull, capitalising on its existing assets, and sets out a clear vision for Solihull 2036.

Images from JM Architects, DEP.

Follow the development on our socials: Twitter & Instagram; and on our Development Map.

Consort Architectural Hardware, a leading manufacturer & supplier of architectural hardware products, located at 28-31 Lower Loveday Street, has been given the nod to transform their premises with a bespoke new low energy, low carbon expansion.

The environmentally conscious scheme is composed of an existing Grade C locally-listed gothic revival building and a set-back warehouse storage unit.

With its gothic arch details, the heritage property will accommodate offices on its lower levels, with an upward extension introducing two duplex apartments to the site. External balconies & a new ‘false façade’ at second-floor level will be created, allowing for maximum resident privacy.

The warehouse will also be expanded in line with other developments next to the site (see below), affording Consort the luxury of additional storage for their products.

Words by Stephen Giles; images from JAB Design.

Built in a classical style with stucco render, with pedimented first-floor windows with a Greek key frieze motif, the building dates back to c1824 and is a rare survivor of Georgian Birmingham.

Its façade and intricate detailings will be retained; however, a much-altered lower quality mid-20th century re-building behind the façade will be removed and replaced with a six-storey new build accommodating five floors of speculative office floorspace (650 sqm).

Synthesising with the existing architecture, the project will be complemented by basement amenities – a cycle store, showers & spaces for office occupiers – & a vibrant ground-level retail/food/beverage unit, adding to the mixture on the street.

The fabric-led approach will see the project aim for a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ score. To achieve this the building's M&E systems will be improved, along with high-performance insulation, solar control, air source heat pumps, and MVHR.

Temple Street will be brought forward by EPIC Ltd, the building's owner.

Words by Stephen Giles; images from OMI Architects.

Drone photography from Stephen Giles (TW: Mo0time).

Photography from Daniel Sturley (TW: Ikonic_exposure).

Drone photography from Stephen Giles.

At Itsyourbuild we follow each project from inception to completion. For Octagon, there are now over 200 superb photos of its construction which can be seen in reverse date order in our full gallery here: The Octagon at Paradise.

Also, be sure to check all Birmingham projects via our Development Map here.

The series, produced by Shine TV, will be made at what will become the first building of the new Digbeth Loc studios, as part of a six-year deal.

This will mean that spinoff shows such as MasterChef: The Professionals, Celebrity MasterChef, and Young MasterChef for BBC Three, as well as any festive editions, will be made in Digbeth.

The canal-side building, a historical gem dating back to 1840, will be refurbished and extended to deliver pre-production, filming, and post-production spaces. This will include a main stage, a contestants' room, critics' dining, offices, and support spaces, e.g. prep-kitchen & meeting rooms.

WIDER DIGBETH LOC. STUDIOS

Becoming the first building within the wider Digbeth Loc. Masterplan, BBC MasterChef will undoubtedly set the tone and aid in promoting the area as a creative media district.

Conceived by Birmingham-born screenwriter and director, Steven Knight, Digbeth Loc. will incorporate film and TV studios, workspaces, a hotel & residential; all of which will be located close to HS2, the new BBC Birmingham HQ at Typhoo Wharf, & the new Creative Cluster at The Bond.

The city is fast becoming a popular filming location for blockbusters & television. The Girl with All The Gifts was filmed here. Grand Central doubled as Abu Dhabi airport for Tom Cruise’s upcoming Mission Impossible film. Citadel, an upcoming Amazon series was also partially shot in the city, while Steven Spielberg shot large portions of Ready Player One here.

Be sure to follow this development here; as well as on our Twitter and Instagram channels.

Words by Stephen Giles; images from K4 Architects.

Investment and development company Cole Waterhouse has completed the acquisition of Upper Trinity Street (UTS), a key development site in Digbeth, paving the way for the £260 million mixed-use scheme to deliver 943 new homes & a new public park for the city.

Cole Waterhouse has entered into an agreement with debt facility provider Ingenious to acquire the land from multiple private owners, with Auxillium Real Estate acting as the debt broker.

The purchase follows hot on the heels after Birmingham City Council granted planning permission in July 2021 for the transformation of the industrial land into a cultural, commercial and residential scheme. It will include the creation of Pump House Park which will sit alongside the canal and the historic lock keepers cottage which will be retained.

Last year Cole Waterhouse signed the first tenants at UTS including the world’s first Museum of Youth Culture, Birmingham Music Archive and Digbeth’s legendary Pat Benson Boxing Academy which together will occupy over 15,000 sq ft of space.

Designed by Corstorphine & Wright, UTS will deliver a blend of rentable and open market sales homes, some with live-work space and roof gardens, a 133-bedroom hotel, 60,000 sq ft of flexible commercial space, car parking and large new areas of public realm across a network of landscaped yards, squares and hidden spaces.

The development of UTS is expected to create 600 jobs during the construction phase, deliver £229.5m GVA to the local economy and will create up to 313 additional jobs once built.

Phase one (below) will see the development of a portion of the residential element of the scheme comprising build-to-rent housing, spread over three buildings of fifteen to sixteen storeys.

Speaking about the acquisition, Damian Flood, CEO at Cole Waterhouse commented: “With the land now successfully acquired, we look forward to the delivery of this major mixed-use scheme. Over the course of the next few months, we will be tendering the construction contract for phase one, and aim to start on site by Q3 next year. We will also be appointing a real estate adviser to support us with marketing the residential offer both locally and internationally.

“There has been a huge collaborative effort from the stakeholders including the City Council, the local community of Digbeth, the Canal & River Trust and our project team and I would like to thank everyone for supporting our vision and for their unwavering commitment to the delivery of UTS.”

UTS, images from Cole Waterhouse, Corstorphine+Wright.

Fusion Students' new £1.5bn joint venture with Cain International seeks to regenerate this derelict Bristol Road site with a c. 620-bed student accommodation scheme.

Aiming for an October 2023 start date, the redevelopment of The Tree sites, a former public house, proposes c. 620 apartments within four new linked buildings, with the tallest rising to 17 storeys fronting onto Bristol Road and Belgrave Middleway.

The other buildings, designed by Corstorphine+Wright, remain subservient to the taller block and these will rise to 8, 10 & 11 storeys.

Accommodation includes a range of 3-4 room clusters with a shared kitchen/living space; social studios; twodios; larger studio rooms; and standard one-bedroom apartments.

With a key focus on well-being to ensure happy and healthy living, students will be spoilt for choice. Facilities include a 24-hour concierge, a central courtyard, study spaces, an auditorium/cinema, a karaoke TV room, a games room, laundry, lounges, dining rooms, and a gym & basketball court.

The main source of transport will be the 162 cycles provided within a secure double-stacked system, with the potential for 80 more adjacent to the existing cycle highway.

Words by Stephen Giles; images from Corstorphine+Wright.

Already sold out, the project involves the preservation, refurbishment and extension of ‘Scotland Works’, a significant Victorian workshop dating back to 1889, into 16 new homes providing a reclaimed aesthetic.

Maximising its footprint, steelwork is now taking shape on the former car park site that will offer a further 45 contemporary living spaces and balconies within a new six storey building, one that complements the existing Victorian architecture.

Once it completes in Q2/3 2023, Lockside Wharf will offer an intimate and high quality rental community within an accessible and desirable location.

Images from Stephen Giles; CGIs from Consortia/ Joseph Mews.

Currently in the throes of a second and final public consultation, 2 Snowhill Plaza would provide a new marker building for the emerging Snow Hill side of the city.

Rising to 47-storeys and using a lower carbon approach, the scheme would offer 462 build to rent homes with a mixed use plinth offering shared residential amenities as well as a new commercial unit facing onto Snow Hill Queensway.

Activating the street with active frontages, landscaping & seating, a new east-west public route would also be created to allow for walkable access from Snow Hill Queensway to Weaman Street, for the first time in a generation.

Facilities at 2 Snowhill Plaza are expected to facilitate a lobby, bicycle workshop, storage, and co-working spaces; with additional vertical amenities ranging from biodiverse gardens to shared lounges, allowing for private classes and community events.

An opportunity also exists for a south-facing rooftop terrace at the peak of the building, allowing for additional amenities.

A planning application will be submitted in the coming weeks.

Words by Stephen Giles; images from HUB, Metropolitan Workshop

Currently in the throes of a second and final public consultation, 2 Snowhill Plaza would provide a new marker building for the emerging Snow Hill side of the city.

Rising to 47-storeys and using a lower carbon approach, the scheme would offer 462 build to rent homes with a mixed use plinth offering shared residential amenities as well as a new commercial unit facing onto Snow Hill Queensway.

Activating the street with active frontages, landscaping & seating, a new east-west public route would also be created to allow for walkable access from Snow Hill Queensway to Weaman Street, for the first time in a generation.

Facilities at 2 Snowhill Plaza are expected to facilitate a lobby, bicycle workshop, storage, and co-working spaces; with additional vertical amenities ranging from biodiverse gardens to shared lounges, allowing for private classes and community events.

An opportunity also exists for a south-facing rooftop terrace at the peak of the building, allowing for additional amenities.

A planning application will be submitted in the coming weeks.

Words by Stephen Giles; images from HUB, Metropolitan Workshop

GMI Construction Group will develop the industry leading skills centre for next year's intake of construction students through the regeneration of the iconic James Cond print works building on George Street.

Its revitalisation will breathe new life to the historic site while honouring its rich history to deliver essential skills, jobs, and training opportunities, which is expected to support more than 1,200 learners by 2025.

The consistent investment in University College Birmingham and the City demonstrates the commitment of the University in leading the way in delivering high-quality education that meets the needs of the region.

When the project completes in September 2023, the centre will specialise in world class, industry leading courses, including sustainable construction methods and renewable energy.

Be sure to watch the development here with us!

Images from Lucas Architects.

Interested in studying in the areas of construction and engineering? Explore UCB’s range of courses here: Department of Engineering, Computing and Sustainable Construction.

16-18 Princip Street has recently received planning consent to be transformed into a residential community.

With Princip Street gravitating towards residential (see our development map), with sensitively designed new builds sitting side-by-side with gorgeous Birmingham's historic treasures – just look at Javelin Block’s ‘Comet Works’, for instance – this site is primed and ready to get in on the act.

Its façade is occupied by the lovely, grade II* listed F.I.S. Loveday building, and its rear, which backs onto the canal, is made up of a combination of single- and two-storey units.

It will be preserved, refurbished, and sensitively converted along with two of its adjoined rear wings – one of which will be extended – and the other canal-side will be re-roofed with a lightwell.

The site will, as per its original layout back, be opened up.



To facilitate this, central units will be removed to make way for a pair of three-storey townhouses, which will both face onto an intimate central courtyard, and another one facing onto the canal.

All retained buildings will accommodate 6 one to three-bedroom apartments (45.8 – 100.2 sqm), with 5 two & three-bedrooms occupying the townhouses, in sizes of 70.5 to a roomy 102.6 sqm.

Sustainability is firmly embedded into the heart of this small project. The redevelopment promises to improve the site’s thermal performance, along with solar panels, electric panel heaters & hot water cylinders, both with time controls, mechanical ventilation & LED lighting.

With Princip Street embarking on an exciting future, we can’t wait for this site to be brought back to life!

Drone images from Stephen Giles; artist impressions from BPN Architects.