Development Proposals for Digbeth Look Set to Generate 1,700 New Homes

February 17 2005

Residential Agency Knight Frank reveals that current proposals being worked up by 10 high profile developers and property speculators could bring 1,700 new homes to Digbeth before the end of the decade, transforming Birmingham’s character-rich Irish Quarter.

Along with the Gun Quarter, Digbeth is the last city centre address to attract interest from residential developers. But Knight Frank reports that after decades of decline, the time has come for the huge success of Bullring and the emerging city living community around the Arcadian and Chinese Quarter to ripple out to the dormant heart of Digbeth.

Ben Pryce-Boutwood, Head of Land Acquisitions and Disposals for Knight Frank Birmingham comments: “Digbeth is one of the main gateways to Birmingham city centre, but it has been significantly overlooked whilst developers have indulged themselves in the Convention Quarter, the city core, the Jewellery Quarter and most recently in the theatre district. Whilst the Custard Factory is regarded as a ‘creative gem’ for Birmingham, it stands isolated from the intensive investment that has characterised the city’s awe-inspiring renaissance.
 
“The present situation facing developers is that with no multi-faceted catalyst project such as the redevelopment of the Coach Station set to take shape imminently, property speculators are choosing to buy up strategic sites and then patiently hold their breath. Planning applications have either been granted, are awaiting a Committee date or plans are being prepared for submission for 1,700 homes in Digbeth and yet only two residential schemes have actually started on site. Whilst the potential scale of investment and wide-ranging transformation for the area is so apparent, big name residential developers homing in on Digbeth will only look to build speculatively on the district’s city fringe until they can see solid evidence of a comprehensive area masterplan.”

Knight Frank cites Digbeth’s future urban living hotspot as being bounded by Bristol Street, Bromsgrove Street, Digbeth High Street/Deritend and Highgate. However, Bradford Street, which runs parallel to the High Street has been the centre for the majority of current property speculation and development activity. Award-winning developer Country & Metropolitan has already commenced work on the conversion and new build scheme at the former Abacus depository on Bradford Street as has Harden Housing Association – a Registered Social Landlord who is developing 150 new homes at the southern end of the street.

The International Stock discount retail chain, headed by John Cullen, has not only received outline planning permission for a 330,000 sq ft mixed-use development to replace his current Bradford Street store, but he has also purchased the extensive Harrison Drape curtain and fabric warehouse further up the road. The two sites are set to generate over 500 apartments when they are eventually built out.

Bradford Street’s future transformation also encompasses the former Stone Gallion retail emporium, which is set to be converted into approximately 60 loft style apartments, whilst the landmark S & K building is at masterplanning stage for a further 330 new homes.

Additional noise being created by developers and speculators is focused in a tight triangle at Digbeth’s north-western fringe. Knight Frank predicts that the three ‘theatre district’ schemes that have obtained planning permission for a total of 471 apartments will not be ‘land banked’ in the same way as many Bradford Street projects because of their proximity to the city core.

Southside - Birmingham’s largest apartment scheme to date is set for a second phase when Crosby start on site with their Essex Street development, which has detailed planning permission for 180 units. Revurban - newcomers to Birmingham’s city living scene in 2004 has received planning for 181 apartments in a Glenn Howells designed scheme on Bromsgrove Street, whilst a national property consortium has obtained planning for 110 residential units on a strategic site bounded by Wrentham Street, Kent Street and Gooch Street.

Phil McConnachie, Associate with Knight Frank comments: “Digbeth has the potential to emulate the vibrancy of Soho and China Town in London’s West End. Whilst Eastside is geared up to be an equal split between residential, commercial, educational and leisure uses, Digbeth could pull off a much more predominant urban living vibe with active street scenes and a cosmopolitan collection of trendy apartment buildings.

“Digbeth’s affiliation with the adjacent Chinese Quarter and theatre district is vital to ensure it doesn’t lay dormant for many more years in wait of the much anticipated redevelopment of the Coach Station. Whilst it may seem a conservative tactic for developers to focus in on the roads closest to Birmingham’s city core when they first ‘dip their toe’ in Digbeth, it could actually create a distinct personality for the area, which will guarantee its long-term success.”

Ben Pryce-Boutwood concludes by adding: “Whilst Eastside’s imminent City Park Gate and Masshouse schemes look set to adopt a similar pricing strategy to their rivals in the city core, there is no reason why all 10 of the future Digbeth residential schemes shouldn’t be priced significantly cheaper than the city average and therefore penetrate an untapped market of vying apartment dwellers.”

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