Green light for JQ apartments
A MAJOR Jewellery Quarter development including over 400 apartments on the site of an old BMW dealership has been approved.
The application survived criticism about the lack of parking and affordable housing, which is less than half of the recommended amount.
Council planners voted to approve the £140 million scheme. The scheme, called ‘Neighbourhood’ by developer HBD will include hundreds of flats as well as a double-height winter garden, cafes, restaurants, work-fromhome areas, and private gardenson the former BMW Synter site in Newhall Hill. The site faces the main Sand Pits route into the west of the city centre.
Five buildings will contain 414 apartments, all of which will be build-to-rent. A one-bedroom flat will cost £1,100 per month to rent, while two-bed flat would be £1,600 a month.
Cllr Colin Green (Lib Dem) said: “The scheme offers 16 per cent affordable homes which is less than half of recommended 35 per cent. It’s just not on really.
“The Birmingham Development Plan requires 35 per cent, it’s not an opening gambit in a negotiation, it’s a requirement.”
Cllr Lee Marsham (Lab) said: “The former BMW garage site has been a blight on the Jewellery Quarter for too long. The new highquality homes planned here will provide new public open space, respect our heritage and act as a fantastic gateway for our city.”
Following the decision, Simon Raiye, Director at HBD, said: “Neighbourhood is a really exciting scheme for the Jewellery Quarter. Its outward-facing design will give an inclusive feel and allow the scheme to blend into its surroundings, enriching the quarter and creating an important new community gathering place.
HBD expects work to start on site early next year, with completion in 2026.