400 new flats could be built on fire-hit site Application to be considered
MORE than 400 new apartments are to be built on a pair of derelict sites in Digbeth including one ravaged by fire two years ago.
ESRG Developments has unveiled new plans for the partial demolition, refurbishment and erection of new buildings at 234-236 Bradford Street, to create 162 one-bedroom and 131 two-bedroom flats and six ground floor shops.
There will also be parking for 61 cars in a complex ranging from four to eight storeys. The site, which also borders Warwick Street, includes the derelict Kingfield Heath stationery building, which was gutted by a fire in August 2014, and the Stone Galleon building, which was built in 1913 and previously used as a shoe factory.
In a second project, the Cheshirebased developer is planning to carry out further demolition before constructing 148 apartments, three ground floor shops and 11 parking spaces at nearby 250 and 251 Bradford Street and its corner with Alcester Street.
This element will range from four to nine storeys and comprise 91 onebedroom and 57 two-bedroom apartments.
Planning applications for the two projects, which have been designed by Chesterfield-based architecture firm WCEC Group, have now been submitted to Birmingham City Council.
A report prepared by the practice is support of the applications said: “There has been vast investment in recent years in Birmingham city centre.
“The proposals recognise this area of Digbeth will be the subject of ongoing redevelopment and the scale and location of proposed buildings and associated commercial and amenity spaces reflect this city aspiration.
“There is an opportunity to deliver a transformation of the physical environment in this corner of Digbeth.
“With much of the site derelict or in a state of considerable disrepair, high-quality living and commercial space will provide new housing and a catalyst for further growth.
“The design seeks to create a place that reinvigorates this area of Bradford Street.”
Other residential projects taking place in Digbeth include recent plans to build 164 apartments next to the Paragon Hotel, the massive yet long-running Connaught Square development and the revamp of the former Harrison Drape curtain track factory to house more than 300 flats.