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Dandara Living submits planning applications for Warners Fields – a new riverside neighbourhood in Birmingham city centre

Turley is supporting Dandara Living’s ambitious plans to create a new riverside neighbourhood in Birmingham city centre, which has taken another leap forward following the submission of two planning applications to the city council.

We are providing expert Planning, Strategic Communications, Economics, Sustainability, Heritage & Townscape and EIA services to Dandara Living on the new neighbourhood which will also create a more sustainable green area that can be enjoyed by the entire city.

The planning applications set out proposals for the long-term redevelopment of the site, which is located to the South West of the former Smithfield Market – south of Moseley Street, east of Barford Street, west of Lombard Street and north of Alcester Street.

If approved, Warners Fields will see the River Rea opened up to the surrounding area, with new public spaces provided on both banks of the river, all leading to proposed potential linear park on Moseley Street. The new neighbourhood will prioritise walking and cycling on its upgraded streets and cycle ways, with over half of the area devoted to green and pedestrian spaces. It will bring Birmingham City Council’s Rea Valley Urban Quarter ambitions to life, act as a catalyst for further regeneration in the area, and bring the people of Birmingham city centre closer to nature.

Submission of the application follows on from a public consultation in September and October 2021, which gave residents and stakeholders the first glimpse of the plans drawn up by Birmingham-based Glenn Howells Architects. The plans will provide flexible workspaces, shops, restaurants and up to 3,000 high-quality new homes once all phases are complete.

We have worked alongside Dandara Living to submit three planning applications to Birmingham City Council. A “hybrid application”, with detailed elements for the majority of the site, which will enable construction to start as soon as possible on land in Dandara’s ownership if planning permission is granted; and an “outline” application for the wider masterplan area, which will set the context for future applications to be submitted.

The first phase of Warners Fields will include 1,351 new homes to rent, which will be built and managed by Dandara Living, UK leaders in the Build-to-Rent sector. Most buildings will range in height from 6 – 10 storeys, with a select number of taller buildings between 11 and 29 storeys, the largest of which will be located to the north of the site. The first phase will also include the Henry Bradford Centre, designed to support start-ups and small businesses; and the Apollo building, a flexible hub for cycle storage, bike repairs, vehicle sharing, electric vehicle charging, residents parking, and gym facilities. The Apollo building has the potential to be converted into residential once nearby public transport improvements like the HS2 Curzon Street Station, Eastside metro extension, and expansion of Birmingham Moor Street station are complete.

Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said

“I am very excited to see progress in these plans for a new mixed-use riverside community development on the edge of the city centre. 

“So many people in Birmingham don’t even know we have a river, so I am really pleased to see the work Dandara has done with the Environment Agency over the last couple of years which will help transform the River Rea and its banks into the public asset that it can and should be for the city”. 

Ed Tynan, Director of the Dandara Group, added:  

“We are extremely excited to now be able to submit these planning applications to Birmingham City Council. This is testament to all of the hard work the team has done over the last couple of years and demonstrates our commitment to a city that is at the top of its game. 

“Over the past year we have worked closely with officers at the City Council and other key local stakeholders and we are extremely grateful for their contributions, which have helped us overcome many challenges. This submission marks a major milestone for Dandara and we can’t wait to get started creating a new neighbourhood that will transform this part of the city and be treasured for generations to come”. 

Glenn Howells, Glenn Howells Architects Partner, said:

“This hugely exciting project, which is on our doorstep here in Digbeth, has the opportunity to create a new quarter for Birmingham that reveals and celebrates the river that was such an important part of the city’s history but until now has been hidden. We have enjoyed working closely with Dandara and Birmingham City Council to create a healthy and sustainable neighbourhood for people to live, work and enjoy.” 

12 January 2022