Marcity Developments has unveiled plans to transform the former Lucas manufacturing plant in Birmingham’s jewellery quarter.
The Solihull-based developer will redevelop the 18,580 sq m (200,000 sq ft) industrial plant, on a 1.78ha (4.4 acre) site on Great Hampton Street, in Hockley. The site has been vacant for four years.
The development – to be known as Newhampton Lofts – will have an end value of £50m and comprises 186 loft apartments, with 3,716 sq m (40,000 sq ft) of commercial space which will include a restaurant, shops, bars, and a health and fitness centre.
Adrian Willett of DTZ Debenham Tie Leung, joint letting agents with Bache Treharne, said: “This scheme has arisen because of the regeneration initiatives taking place in the area. It is privately funded and embraces the whole urban village initiative.”
Newhampton Lofts is situated next to the proposed College of Law and is the first mixed use development of its size and kind in the area.
The Jewellery Quarter is benefiting from £250m of public and private sector money for the new Urban Village Partnership launched last year, which will oversee the regeneration of the 107ha (265 acre) Hockley area. The partnership includes Advantage West Midlands, Birmingham council, Birmingham School of Jewellery and the Prince’s Foundation.
EGi News 05/05/00
