‘Co-living’ scheme for young people to be launched for first time in city

Flats will share kitchens and bathrooms

THE concept of ‘co-living’ aimed at young professionals in which apartments share bathrooms and kitchens is to be launched for the first time in Birmingham.

The £16 million project in Hospital Street, near the Gun Quarter, would accommodate around 180 people in self-contained flats with shared facilities.

The concept, not unlike student blocks, pack in a higher volume of people than traditional house shares.

Co-living has gained traction in recent years in the US and London as young people struggle to afford city centre living, but is yet to take off in UK the regions.

The first purpose-built co-living scheme outside the capital only received planning permission in Manchester last year.

An application is being drawn up Jewellery Quarter-based developer Volume Property and is due to be submitted to Birmingham City Council within three months.

Founder Anthony Laville said: “It’s an immature market so it does come with risks but it is a challenge I’m well up for.

“There is no scheme currently being done in Birmingham to my knowledge so it’s an ambitious project but the demand is there from a demographic that’s crying out for something like this.

“We have plans to create a new landmark development for Birmingham.

“It would have all-inclusive bills, in-house maintenance, wi-fi, laundry and community outings.

“The target market for this is young professionals aged 21 to 35 who are looking for that social lifestyle and central living in Birmingham but require more secure, social aspects, entertainment and convenience on site.

“The application site is less than 20 minutes’ walk to the city centre so it’s a great location.

“The affordable rents will particularly attract recent graduates who would otherwise live in houses in multiple occupation.”

The Birmingham site in Hospital Street is currently occupied by a single-storey garage which would be demolished to make way for the new apartments if the project is given the green light by Birmingham planning chiefs.

Work is expected to start later this year and take around 18 months to complete, subject to planning permission.

Volume Property will also operate the property which will be called Volume One.

Mr Laville added: “The building and concept in general will bring something unique to the Birmingham market as it takes pressure off areas that have a high density of houses in multiple occupation like Edgbaston, Erdington and Kings Heath. It will attract those very occupants who are looking for central living but find it hard to get the affordability.”

Volume Property is also behind a £7 million project to develop 62 studio apartments for students, in Bridge Street West, which is due to be approved by councillors at their latest planning committee meeting on February 14.

The target market for this is young professionals aged 21 to 35 who are looking for that social lifestyle

Anthony Laville