News

Planning application for regeneration of landmark site in Birmingham city centre

Acting on behalf of Watkin Jones Group, the UK’s leading developer of residential for rent communities, Turley has submitted plans for the redevelopment of a brownfield site in Birmingham’s city centre.

We are providing expert Planning, Strategic Communications, Economics and Development Viability services for the proposal which is within the Rea Valley Urban Quarter and reflects Birmingham City Council’s aspiration to transform this part of the city into a new sustainable urban neighbourhood. Spread across six blocks at the northern end of Sherlock Street, the 551-home development is within walking distance of both the famous Bullring centre and the new HS2 terminal.

The scheme has been designed by award-winning local architects Glenn Howells Architects and reflects the growing popularity of renting in purpose-built, multi-occupancy developments for people who want to combine flexibility and convenience with being part of a vibrant community within the city centre.

As well as creating a high-quality shared living environment for its residents, the development has been designed to have a positive impact on both the immediate area and the city as a whole. As well as a range of high quality one, two and three bed homes, the proposal features a wellbeing centre and a wide range of communal space, including residents’ lounges, workspaces, a roof garden and a landscaped courtyard, the latter of which will be for the use of the wider public as well as residents. In order to encourage sustainable transport, a cycling hub has been integrated into the design.

The proposals also include some 1,500 square metres of high quality, flexible business and commercial space.

The development is expected to create, directly and indirectly, around 305 jobs during each year of construction, and up to 120 further jobs when fully operational.

Commenting on the proposal, Watkin Jones’ Chief Investment Officer, Alex Pease, said:

“Sherlock Street is our largest build-to-rent scheme to date. It is also one of our most exciting. We have a long history of investing in Birmingham and are committed to providing not only a brilliant living experience for a wide range of tenants but a flagship development that contributes to the city’s economic and social development.”

21 December 2020