Plans for a 2.4-acre site at the gateway to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter were finally submitted this week, almost two years after a preferred developer was chosen.
RO St Bernards, a joint venture between local developer St Bernards Property and RO Developments, said it would turn the former Science Museum site on Newhall Street into a 278,000 sq ft “waterside urban village”.
Chris Bond, director of the jv, said the detailed planning application had been delayed after surveys revealed that the site levels were not as expected and because several properties on the site were listed during the consultation process.
The £65m scheme, designed by Associated Architects, incorporates two listed buildings and a 1930s factory, which were part of the Elkington plating works.
Around a third of the space will be commercial, providing flexible offices and workshops from 500 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft, shops and leisure units. There will be 234 flats, underground parking, a public square and space for a tourist attraction.
Bond said: “A number of leisure and hotel operators have expressed an interest.”
The scheme could get consent as early as August, enabling RO St Bernards to be on site in early January 2006.
Ken Hardeman, Birmingham council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The design is very sympathetic to the site’s heritage.”
References: EGi News 31/05/05
