Redford signs off on ‘complex’ Jewellery Quarter residential scheme
The redevelopment of Charles Green’s historic former Birmingham workshops into 39 apartments has now been completed.
Completion on the £12m Tenby Street scheme comes around two years after the first phase of development was handed over, which saw the 19th century city jewellery makers move out of their 1960’s-era offices into purpose-built new workshops next door.
The second phase saw the firm’s former offices demolished and the site redeveloped into residential apartments, alongside additional a ground floor commercial unit, meeting rooms, manufacturing, office, and reception space for Charles Green.
Around half of the apartments have been sold off-plan, with the remaining now being brough to market by joint selling agents for the scheme, Knight Frank and Maguire Jackson.
Neil Myers, construction director for Redford Developments, said: “Redeveloping a brownfield site with neighbouring heritage buildings in a dense conservation zone is always going to result in a complex build programme.
“We are proud of how the two distinct construction phases for Charles Green Residences have enabled its full team of esteemed jewellery designer-makers to stay at Tenby Street, where they’ve been based since the 1970s.
“It is wonderful to see how the custom-design of the new premises, specialist fit-out, state-of-the-art machinery, extraction, and anti-vibration technology, has all been made possible thanks to this innovative property deal.”
The “complex”, long-running relocation scheme was brought forward as a joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership, consisting of Homes England and Lloyds Bank. The scheme was boosted with around £7m funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority, and £720,000 of grant funding the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.
The four-storey development was designed by the Birmingham-office of global architecture practice
“BDP’s architecture reflects the design intricacies and materials that are so prevalent in the immediate area, while the quality of the build specification, oversized or full-height windows, and super high ceilings for the duplex apartments have created a mixed-use development that oozes quality outside and in,” added Myers.
“We are thankful for the skill and dedication of Kavannagh Construction2, together with our entire project team and supply chain for working with us to deliver this scheme, which has greatly enhanced the street scenes of Tenby Street and Albion Street. We look forward to welcoming the first residents into their new homes over the coming weeks.”
Mike Murphy, Investment Director for the Housing Growth Partnership, added: “Charles Green Residences is a fine example of what can be achieved through strong public-private partnerships, transforming an uninspiring 1970s building that wasn’t fit for purpose into a beautiful development, reflecting both the heritage and technical advancements of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
“Richard Mees and the Redford Developments team saw the potential to help Charles Green secure the future of the business and safeguard 27 highly skilled jobs within the Jewellery Quarter. We’re pleased to celebrate the completion of the construction programme and reaffirm our commitment to Birmingham’s continual regeneration and future growth.”
