Apartments planned for former manufacturing site

An application has been submitted proposing the creation of new residential and commercial space on a former manufacturing site in Birmingham.Sidley Piper Homes Ltd has lodged plans to transform land at 32-34 Constitution Hill in the city’s Jewellery Quarter.The site comprises a four-storey corner building fronting Constitution and a two-storey five-bay workshop building on Henrietta Street.It was previously used by Taylor and Challen, which was a manufacturer of machinery and tools for use in the jewellery and metal trades.Sidley Piper is proposing to restore the existing buildings and convert them to commercial usage on the ground floor with apartments above.A new five-storey apartment block would also be erected on vacant land.Overall, the scheme includes 32 one- and two-bed properties and approximately 2,800 sq ft of commercial space.A statement filed with Birmingham City Council on behalf of the applicant said: “The development is shown to be an appropriate design solution for the site, developed through discussions with officers, and demonstrating high design quality, enhancing local distinctiveness.”The new-build elements incorporate elements of the distinctiveness of the building, providing necessary new development to secure the viability of the development, whilst filling in an ugly gap in the street scene to Henrietta Street, thereby enhancing the setting of the listed building and the conservation area in accordance with legislation.”