{"id":779700,"date":"2025-03-24T08:09:21","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T08:09:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/?p=779700"},"modified":"2025-03-24T08:59:42","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T08:59:42","slug":"grid-redevelops-former-birmingham-industrial-site-into-400-homes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/buildings\/grid-redevelops-former-birmingham-industrial-site-into-400-homes","title":{"rendered":"GRID redevelops former Birmingham industrial site into 400 homes"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Gun Quarter site was identified as an area of opportunity by Birmingham\u2019s Big City plan. It had fallen into decline last century when a large swathe of buildings was demolished by post-war town planners to create Birmingham\u2019s inner-city ring road.<\/p>\n

Despite the site\u2019s proximity to Snow Hill railway station, it had issues including its detachment by the road from the city centre of Birmingham, lack of public space, poor walking routes and industrial warehouses with no active frontages.<\/p>\n

The site is located on Shadwell Street and sits along the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal. The adjacent canal was poorly lit, with limited towpath access.<\/p>\n

GRID Architects was commissioned by St Joseph Homes, Berkeley Group\u2019s Midlands arm, to design 404 homes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The homes are spread across five interconnected buildings ranging from three to 21 storeys and split into three local townscape character areas. New green courtyards and waterside gardens site amongst the masterplan, activating the frontages. The long, thin development is dense but inspired by its immediate industrial context.<\/p>\n

Pitched roofs mimic the industrial roof forms of the are. The five buildings creating two continuous frontages, splitting the development into two halves. Four of the buildings are pushed to the pavement to reinstate the historic building line, yet are broken by a courtyard creating a link between canal and street. This aids pedestrian and cyclist movement with enhanced lighting.<\/p>\n

Using the change in site level, a car park is tucked beneath the buildings with three landscaped gardens above. The podium also supplies space for 408 secure bike racks and 139 car parking spaces.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Internally, all homes are orientated either east or west and common corridors extend to at least one fa\u00e7ade, bringing natural light and fresh air into the communal spaces. The homes overlook either the landscaped gardens or the canal. Dwellings range from one-bed flats to three-bed duplexes for families.<\/p>\n

All residents have access to communal facilities, including a 4.5m-high gym space, meeting rooms, work-from-home spaces, library, residents\u2019 lounge and three courtyards with play facilities for children under five.<\/p>\n

Double-height entrance lobbies allow views up from street level into the courtyard space. The majority of homes have balconies or roof terraces.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

Architect\u2019s view<\/h2>\n

GRID\u2019s vision for the site envisaged creating five interconnected buildings split into three local townscape character areas. The brief was to create a dense development on the long thin site, with a design that was sympathetic and inspired by its local context.<\/p>\n

The desire to \u2018create a place\u2019 alongside the canal was driven by the planners aspiration for the development to provide a catalyst for the regeneration of the rest of the Gun Quarter. But it was also seen as vital to create an attractive place for new residents to live. Despite the Gun Quarter\u2019s proximity to Birmingham\u2019s City Centre, it is still a post-industrial location with low values.<\/p>\n

The five buildings create two continuous frontages, splitting the development into two halves. The pitched roofs mimic the industrial roof forms and building heights range from three to 21 storeys.<\/p>\n

Four of the buildings are pushed right up to the back of pavement to reinstate the historic building line, which the planners insisted on. But relief is provided where one of the courtyards continues through from canal-side to street.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, entrances and windows overlooking Shadwell Street and the canal create passive surveillance. The double-height entrance lobbies allow views from street level up into the courtyard space, creating a welcoming and green connection to these external amenity spaces.<\/p>\n

Snow Hill Wharf will be a catalyst for other developments across the Gun Quarter. St Joseph\u2019s expertise, high-quality approach and ability to deliver on site has raised the standard of residential developments in Birmingham.
\nColin Veitch, director, GRID Architects<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/span>\"\"<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Client\u2019s view<\/h2>\n

St Joseph Homes was set up in 2017 as the Berkeley Group\u2019s first division in the Midlands, and Snow Hill Wharf was our first site in Birmingham. We immediately saw the potential of the site, as the Gun Quarter was identified as an area of opportunity by Birmingham\u2019s Big City plan, being in close proximity of Snow Hill railway station and only a short walk away from the commercial district of the city centre.<\/p>\n

The detached location from the city centre, a lack of public spaces, walking routes, and industrial warehouses with no active frontages were all negative factors. The shortcomings of the adjacent canal also included poor lighting, limited towpath access, and buildings which turn their backs on the watercourse.<\/p>\n

However, the Berkeley Group has a successful track record of regenerating difficult sites. We appointed GRID Architects to develop the vision for the site, and built good relationships with the City\u2019s planning and design officers. Homes are designed with views into the landscaped gardens and to the canal. A wide variety of different dwelling types are provided from one-bedroom flats for one person, to generous two-bedroom flats for families, alongside additional duplex apartments with three bedrooms.<\/p>\n

The project demonstrates St Joseph\u2019s expertise, high-quality approach, and ability to deliver has raised the standard of residential development in Birmingham.
\nPolly Mathews, land and planning manager, St Joseph Homes<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/span>\"\"<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Project data<\/h2>\n

Location<\/strong> Snow Hill Wharf, 63 Shadwell Street, Birmingham
\nCompletion<\/strong>\u00a02023
\nGross internal floor area<\/strong> 32,635m2
\n<\/sup>Form of contract<\/strong>\u00a0Management Contract
\nConstruction cost<\/strong> Undisclosed
\nArchitect<\/strong> GRID Architects
\nClient<\/strong> St Joseph Homes, Berkeley Group
\nStructural engineer<\/strong> Waterman Structure
\nM&E consultant<\/strong> Waterman Building Services
\nQS<\/strong> St Joseph Homes
\nInterior designer<\/strong> GRID Interiors
\nLandscape consultant<\/strong> FIRA
\nPlanning consultant<\/strong> Turley
\nCDM co-ordinator<\/strong> St Joseph Homes
\nMain contractor<\/strong> St Joseph Homes
\nCAD software used<\/strong> MicroStation<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Gun Quarter site was identified as an area of opportunity by Birmingham\u2019s Big City plan. It had fallen into decline last century when a large swathe of buildings was demolished by post-war town planners to create Birmingham\u2019s inner-city ring road. Despite the site\u2019s proximity to Snow Hill railway station, it had issues including its …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59337,"featured_media":779738,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"categories":[706],"tags":[101564,1597,2898,1155],"yoast_head":"\nGRID redevelops former Birmingham industrial site into 400 homes<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"GRID has redeveloped a formerly contaminated brownfield site in Birmingham that was once the world centre of small arms manufacture\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/buildings\/grid-redevelops-former-birmingham-industrial-site-into-400-homes\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta 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