Automotive and property development company Hartwell has secured planning consent for the £100m regeneration of a former ironworks in Digbeth.
The 2.8-acre Phoenix Yard site, which is situated at the gateway to Digbeth, will deliver 188,031 sq ft of new creative, media and educational space, commercial floorspace and 240 homes, in addition to new retail space and public realm.
Joanne Churchill, group property manager at Hartwell, said: “It is welcome news that Birmingham City Council supports our Phoenix Yard vision and investment plans to create a landmark, mixed-use neighbourhood at the gateway to Digbeth. Phoenix Yard has been designed to complement the area’s character while enhancing its next chapter as a thriving, creative quarter.
“This is a major milestone for Hartwell and a significant step for Digbeth. We received such positive feedback on our plans from not only stakeholders and businesses but also the local community. We will now progress our plans to deliver new workspaces for creative, media and education organisations, new homes to meet local demand and reimagined public realm for everyone. We look forward to working closely with the council, local partners and the community as we move into the next phase.”
Paul Monaghan, executive director, head of design studio, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, which designed the plans for the mixed-use scheme, added: “This is welcome news for our client, their vision for this project and the people who will work, live and visit Phoenix Yard. From the start our work has been to ensure that we respect the site and area’s industrial heritage while delivering distinctive architecture, energy-efficient buildings and public spaces that are fit for the exciting future in which we find ourselves with Digbeth as a creative quarter. Phoenix Yard complements Digbeth’s distinctive identity while contributing positively to the evolving place.”
The Phoenix Yard project team includes Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, Ridge, Cundall, Hoare Lea, Macfarlane + Associates and Newmark. CBRE and LSH are the commercial letting agents for the scheme.
