Port Loop will deliver 1,100 new waterside homes for Birmingham

The Port Loop scheme has been put together by developers Urban Spash and Places for People to create a new community within the city.

The new masterplan CGI shows how the existing Icknield Port Loop area will be transformed into a new waterside neighbourhood by the pioneering joint venture partnership which aims to delivering the masterplan in tandem with Canal & River Trust and Birmingham City Council, creating 1,150 new homes.

The first homes will go up for sale towards the end of this month.

Adam Willetts, project director for the Urban Splash and Places for People joint venture, said: “We are delighted to unveil our full vision for Port Loop for the first time.

“This is an incredibly exciting regeneration scheme which will create a new area for Birmingham; our masterplan is to bring the best community amenities, commercial facilities and brilliantly designed homes together and breathe life into this site. “

A highlight of the masterplan is the first phase of 77 homes at the scheme. This phase will be the first place in which customers can reside at Port Loop.

The first 40 properties – which will launch for sale on September 29 – will be modular properties, meaning customers can dictate the designs of their own home to suit their needs; choosing from a range of floorplans, buyers will determine the number of bedrooms, fittings and general composition of their homes over either two or three storeys, meaning the properties are perfect for all buyers in Birmingham – be they first timers, families or empty nesters.

Each home will also benefit from a private garden terrace or access to a private courtyard as well as private parking.

Adam Willetts continued: “The first focal point of the masterplan is the launch of and delivery of these first homes.

“As we’re on site, with the first clearing of the development already well underway, we expect our first customers to be living in these properties by spring 2019 – meaning waterfront, modular living in the city of Birmingham is much closer than you think.”

A second phase of homes, designed by award winning Birmingham architectural firm, Glenn Howells Architects, will launch for sale next year.

Work is also underway on plans for the wider community facilities to ensure that there will be opportunities for people to spend time both beside and on the water with canal-side cafes, waterborne sports hubs, community spaces and commercial opportunities, while personal and shared spaces will be provided for residents.

Leader of Birmingham council, Ian Ward, said: “Port Loop is an extremely exciting residential development and one the city of Birmingham can be proud of. With phase one launching imminently, we can’t wait to see how this unique waterside location develops over the coming months.”

James Lazarus, head of joint ventures at the Canal & River Trust, added: “The Port Loop scheme is a great leap forward for quality of living in Birmingham. We know that spending time by the water can help people feel happier and more relaxed and, as seen in the masterplan, the regeneration of this area includes rebuilding an area of the canal system which has for years been overlooked. This will no doubt encourage more people to use the city’s canals and tow-paths to commute to and from work, travel to the city centre and participate in sports and recreation on the water so the wider benefits of the scheme are really exciting.”