New regen plans to build 550 Birmingham apartments in 30-storey complex

Plans have been unveiled for a new mixed-use commercial and residential development in Birmingham city centre reaching 30 storeys.

Watkin Jones Group, which specialises in developing residential complexes for rent, is eyeing a brownfield plot in Sherlock Street.

It wants to build six blocks of various heights up to 30 storeys on land bounded by Bishop Street and Hurst Street, containing 551 apartments from one to three bedrooms, 16,145 sq ft of commercial space, 36 parking spaces and a cycling hub.

There would also be a wellbeing centre and communal space including lounges, workspaces, a roof garden and a landscaped courtyard, the latter of which will be for the use of the public as well as residents.

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

The application site currently houses a group of low-rise industrial buildings which would all be demolished if the project were given the green light by Birmingham planning chiefs.

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.”

The scheme has been designed by Birmingham practice Glenn Howells Architects and the planning application was submitted by Turley which also carried out stakeholder engagement prior to submission.