| Client | Oval Real Estate |
|---|---|
| Turley office | Birmingham |
| Status | Resolution to grant planning permission. Ongoing |
| LPA | Birmingham City Council |
Shaping an exemplar creative and cultural quarter in Digbeth
Our role
- We provided expert services to shape the long-term framework for careful and gradual change to Digbeth over the next 15 years.
- We worked with landowners, existing tenants and local stakeholders to understand the social fabric of the area, and worked in liaison with adjoining development schemes and the local authority over 18 months to build the creative and cultural vision for Digbeth.
- We undertook a comprehensive and robust assessment of the historic environment comprising two conservation areas, statutorily listed buildings and locally listed buildings to protect and maintain the heritage of Digbeth; whilst strengthening its distinctive character.
- We collaborated with a team of designers comprising multiple masterplanners and architects to environmentally test, challenge and refine the flexible parameters and Design Code to ensure sensitive regeneration over the long term.
Results
- The first phase of the framework will deliver new flexible workspace in Wild Works, 40 apartments in Custard Factory Living and flexible office space in a rooftop extension to the Custard Factory. The exceptional design of the first phase is the high standard Oval will aim for in future phases.
- The approval will enable the delivery of the much anticipated Viaduct Park, which will see the conversion of the disused Duddeston Viaduct into an accessible open space with views over Birmingham City Centre.
- The framework will provide up to 2.2 million sq ft of commercial space and 1,850 new homes, alongside new shops, restaurants, cafes and additional leisure facilities. This will support the creation of over 16,000 jobs and provide a substantial boost to the Birmingham and wider West Midlands economy.
- It will significantly contribute to delivering a thriving creative and cultural hub, stitched together by radically improved public realm and new connections forged within and through Digbeth, including new river and canal bridges.