A public consultation on the proposed Phoenix Yard development off Digbeth High Street has begun ahead of a formal planning application
A £100 million ‘gateway to Digbeth’ plan has promised hundreds of Birmingham city centre homes and commercial space if planning chiefs give the go ahead.
A prime piece of land in Digbeth High Street, opposite Birmingham Coach Station, would be cleared to create the ‘landmark’ mixed-use development with 240 new homes, retail, commercial, educational and media space, plus communal outdoor space.
The Phoenix Yard scheme promises to become a ‘new gateway to Digbeth’ replacing the current dilapidated buildings and land, developers said.
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It is currently home to a nursery and large car park, and once hosted a garage and car dealership but developers say they will ‘transform’ the 2.8 acre site, with artist’s impressions showing several new blocks up to seven storeys high.
Automotive and property development company, Hartwell plc, is behind the proposal.
It has instructed ‘award-winning’ architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris to create the plans which will ‘pay homage to the site’s industrial history as Phoenix ironworks’.
It said: “Phoenix Yard proposals will respond to Digbeth’s recognised potential as a growth area in Birmingham, which contributes to its ongoing transformation into a thriving and vibrant creative area.
“This includes the BBC’s new multi-million-pound Birmingham HQ at Typhoo Wharf [across the other side of the elevated railway line] and approval of the £1.9 billion Smithfield Market masterplan.
“The proposed Phoenix Yard is forecast to create circa 200 construction jobs and has the potential to create upwards of 500 full time equivalent jobs, as well as attract a range of new residents to the area and provide a meaningful boost to the economy to support the area’s social and economic growth.”
Ahead of submitting a hybrid planning application to Birmingham City Council, Hartwell launched a public consultation for residents and businesses to see and comment on the plans.
A dedicated Phoenix Yard consultation website is live at https://www.phoenixyard-digbeth.com with the deadline to provide feedback noon on March 31.
Joanne Churchill, group property manager at Hartwell, said: “We are delighted to unveil our vision to transform an under-utilised brownfield site to deliver Phoenix Yard, a new mixed-use neighbourhood at the heart of Digbeth.
“Through unlocking the potential of this site, our plans promise to positively contribute to the area’s ongoing transformation into a thriving and vibrant part of Birmingham, delivering an exciting range of new opportunities and living space for the future.
“In recent years Digbeth has benefitted from significant investment and is recognised by Birmingham City Council as a key growth area.
“This scheme has been designed with this investment and the wider ambitions for Birmingham in mind.”
Ms Churchill continued: “The potential delivery of media and educational space will support the continuing growth of BBC Midlands HQ and its ecosystem following the BBC’s multi-million-pound investment into the area.
“Similarly, new homes will complement the site’s location in Digbeth’s creative centre.
“This will be supported by excellent connectivity, which is enhanced by nearby major transport investments including HS2’s Curzon Street Station and the Metro Eastside Extension.
“We look forward to receiving comments on the proposals from local residents and businesses, with feedback set to help inform our final planning application.”