TCN has gained planning consent for the redevelopment of the historic Assay Office building on Newhall Street in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. The project, designed by Glenn Howells Architects (GHA), is set to start onsite later this month.
The scheme comprises a commercial and residential element. The existing building on Newhall Street will be converted into 30,000 sq ft of office accommodation. The residential element located to the rear on Charlotte Street will offer 32 new build one and two bed, high specification apartments with private gardens and parking.
Richard Pearce, TCN, said: “We are delighted to have received planning consent from the planning committee, allowing us to bring our vision to life. Works will start immediately on the first phase of works being the transformation of the existing building into office accommodation.”
The conversion is sensitive to the heritage and industrial characteristics of the building, but uses the space most efficiently to offer new occupiers the opportunity to personalise their surroundings. The offices will be operational by next Spring.
The striking façade and many internal historical features of the original building have been incorporated into the plans and GHA’s design also takes full advantage of the 3.8 metre floor to ceiling heights. There will be a communal space in the basement, designed to facilitate collaborative working among occupiers.
The new build apartments will range in size from 448 sq ft to 805 sq ft and offer purchasers the chance to live at the heart of this thriving city district.
Michael Cruise, Glenn Howells Architects, said: “Integral to our design is the strong character of the existing building, while the new build residential scheme will complete the missing corner of St Paul’s Square. This includes the use of traditional brickwork which responds to the sensitive context and interesting articulation of the area and pays reference to the industrial heritage of the Jewellery Quarter.”
The original Assay building was built in 1878 and has housed the Assay Office ever since. It was listed in 2004 and its ornate brick façade is a Jewellery Quarter landmark; however, the building has been extensively extended and adapted from 1890 through to the mid 1970s.
TCN acquired the building in late 2014; while the Assay has now relocated to premises at the St Georges development on Icknield Street.
Other projects by TCN include UGLI Campus on the White City Estate in London. Working in partnership with the BBC, TCN has regenerated a number of the Corporation’s buildings around Television Centre to develop a thriving place for the creative industries and kickstart the redevelopment of the White City Estate.
It also operates Piano House in London and Temple Gate in Bristol. Both developments, along with the rest of TCN’s portfolio, offer flexible space to office occupiers looking for a dynamic work environment.