Jewellery Quarter Redevelopment Plans Recommended for Approval
Major plans to redevelop a significant site near the heart of Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, aimed at providing new homes and commercial space, have been recommended for approval by council planning officers. The proposals, which will be considered at a council planning committee meeting this Thursday, February 19, involve the land bounded by Hockley Hill, Well Street, Great King Street, and Barr Street.
Details of the Proposed Development
Developers are seeking permission to demolish a number of existing industrial buildings on the site. However, a key heritage asset, 175 Hockley Hill—a Grade II listed building located in the southern corner of the site—would be retained and incorporated into the new development. This historic structure would be converted into the main entrance for the development, featuring shared amenity space and two apartments above.
The scheme proposes the construction of five and six-storey blocks that would comprise 269 apartments, along with commercial space. Notably, 52 percent of the units would have two or three bedrooms, and the development would include a range of options, such as some duplex apartments.
Council Officer's Assessment
A council officer's report, published ahead of the planning committee meeting, outlined several benefits of the proposals:
- Delivery of Housing: The report emphasizes that housing remains a pressing need for Birmingham, despite the city's current ability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.
- Brownfield Site Re-use: The development would make efficient use of a brownfield site, contributing to urban regeneration.
- Heritage Restoration: The restoration and sustainable long-term use of the Grade II listed building at 175 Hockley Hill.
- Economic and Ecological Enhancements: The provision of affordable workspace for creative industries and ecological improvements through landscaping.
On heritage benefits specifically, the council officer noted: "The site currently detracts from the setting of the heritage assets and makes a poor contribution to the general character and appearance of a key route into and out of the city centre." The proposed architecture is described as a vast improvement over the current buildings.
Identified Harms and Overall Conclusion
The report also highlighted certain harms associated with the development:
- Loss of employment land.
- No on-site public open space or financial contribution towards off-site provision.
Despite these drawbacks, the council officer concluded that the benefits outweigh the harms. "In my view, significant weight should be given to the delivery of housing," the officer wrote. Ultimately, the recommendation is for approval, stating: "This application would bring the site into a more efficient use providing housing and workspace which is more suitable for use by creative industries. The listed building within the site would be brought into a sustainable long-term use and the site would make a much more positive contribution to the setting of the Jewellery Quarter Conservation Area."
The planning committee's decision this Thursday will determine the future of this key redevelopment project in one of Birmingham's most iconic districts.
