A £2.5 million funding package has been agreed to create a unique live/work scheme in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter to encourage the next generation of jewellery designers and makers to stay or relocate in the City and region.
The funding has been made available as a result of a partnership between the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, the Government regeneration agency Urban Living, scheme developers Midland Heart, and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
Work has just started to refurbish and transform a derelict Victorian Grade 2* listed site into 13 live/work units for affordable rent, which will be ideally suited to creative industry SMEs undertaking small manufacturing processes.
Regional minister for the West Midlands, Ian Austin MP, was onsite to see the progress being made: “This is further evidence of the Government and public sector partners pulling together to keep investment and regeneration projects on track. This new development demonstrates the public sector’s commitment to the Jewellery Quarter and proves that this historic area of the city remains a priority and that regional partners are working together to preserve its heritage and breathe new life into it for future generations of jewellery makers.”
Located in Hylton Street in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter Conservation Area, the new units will offer separate living and workshop space, ranging from one to three bedrooms in size, and will be aimed primarily at designer/makers. With AWM funding, Midland Heart has set up similar schemes for creative industries in Burslem (Stoke-on-Trent) and Coventry, but this type of facility is a first for Birmingham.
Advantage West Midlands’ Partnerships Director for Birmingham and the Black Country, Mark Foley, said: “In the past, a lack of suitable facilities and accommodation for designer/makers in Birmingham has resulted in graduates and entrepreneurs moving outside of the region. By offering affordable live/work units in the Jewellery Quarter, we can encourage creative talent to stay in the City and enrich the sector here, securing an even brighter future for jewellery design and manufacturing in Birmingham.”
The Agency’s support for the live/work units in the Jewellery Quarter is part of AWM’s West Midlands Economic Strategy, and its commitment to supporting business creation, growth and sustainable new businesses. The project also aligns the priorities of AWM and its key regional partners to maximise the funds available and deliver real value for money.
Adnan Saif, Urban Living's Chief Executive, added: “These new live/work units will importantly bring back into use a derelict building in an area of the City which is blighted by underused land and dereliction. Not only will we be providing additional housing for skilled workers, but we will also be making sure that the development creates local construction jobs, which is critical in the current economic climate.”
Tom Murtha, Chief Executive Officer for Midland Heart said: “This is a great opportunity to put new life into a piece of Birmingham’s history and give new talent in the creative industries an opportunity to thrive. This is exactly the type of project that will support and sustain local communities and we are very excited to be providing this service.”
Paul Spooner, Regional Director for the Homes and Communities Agency said: “We are delighted to be supporting this innovative project to provide both homes and jobs in the Jewellery Quarter. We hope this type of investment may encourage a new wave of city living.”
The construction contract has been awarded to Seddons. Once the units are completed, Midland Heart will manage the lettings and maintenance of the building. Business Link West Midlands, funded by AWM, will provide intensive business support through the Creative LaunchPad programme to live/work tenants.