Landmark factory to be turned into student flats
ADERELICT former pressings factory dating back to the 1850s which was badly damaged by a fire in 2010 is set to have a new future as student accommodation.
The Grade II-listed building, in New John Street West, in Newtown, was sold in 2000 by Brandauer Precision Pressings since when it has fallen into a state of disrepair.
New plans have been unveiled to breathe life into the building, known as Brandauer Works, by renovating it and adding two additional blocks to create almost 300 student bedrooms.
The old factory, which was extended between the 1870s and end of the 19th century, was used by Brandauer for its pressings from 1862 to 2000 before moving to its current base in a neighbouring street.
It is a familiar site to Birmingham’s motorists as it sits on the busy middle ring road.
Birmingham-based Glancy Nicholls Architects has designed the regeneration project on behalf of applicant Uncles Properties whose previous work includes the Branston Court office development in the Jewellery Quarter.
The existing factory building would house 93 studios while the extensions would have a further 52 studios and 141 bedrooms in shared flats.
Glancy Nicholls said in a statement accompanying the application: “It was badly damaged following a fire in 2010. However, since 2014, our client has been undertaking a significant amount of work to stabilise and secure the building, including replacing floors, providing a new slate roof and repointing brickwork.
“Brandauer Works has lain empty for 16 years and the long, narrow plan makes it difficult to utilise and, if not carefully considered, could result in a building that is not fit for purpose and not flexible enough to change to the evolving market.
“The considerable cost involved in renovating only adds to this burden.
“A previous application for the site was to convert it into a hotel and offices.
“However, this financially viable.
“As a result, the scheme was reviewed in line with the city coun- was not proving cil’s housing prospectus and the requirement for additional student bed spaces.
“The result of this was a brief to create a contemporary, high-quality student village reflecting the requirements and expectations of modern day students while also providing a sympathetic refurbishment of an existing Grade II building without losing the essence of the building and its industrial heritage.”
The development will be privately run and most likely attract students attending Aston University, Birmingham City University, the School of Jewellery and University of Law – all of which are around a mile away.