Homes project on historic building in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter completed
Work to transform a historic building in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter into new homes has been completed.
Former warehouse Great Hampton Street Works has been restored following a 15-month project and now features 29 one and two-bedroom apartments.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the building was badly in need of work before the conversion was carried out by Great Hampton Street Button Works Ltd and Hanehouse Developments, following investment from the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Great Hampton Street Works was built in 1872 to house a new button factory for Green, Cadbury and Richards.
The architect behind the original building, Henry Richard Yeoville Yardley Thomason, also designed the Council House in Birmingham city centre.
Before the conversion, the Grade II* Listed building in Great Hampton Street had been used as an unheated and bare warehouse and needed a complete and comprehensive overhaul to bring it back to life.
The apartments boast original features such as exposed beams and brickwork, original cast iron windows and also features some of the original machinery from the time it was a button factory.
The new homes, set around landscaped courtyards, are being made available for rent.
Mr Parker said: “Great Hampton Street Works is an important part of the Jewellery Quarter’s heritage, but it was badly in need of restoration when I visited last year.
“So, it’s heartening to see the tremendous job the developers have done in restoring it to its former glory bringing new homes and an added vibrancy to the area.
“Converting historic buildings like this one and regenerating derelict industrial sites will support my Growth Plan to reignite our regional economy, by providing high quality, well-located housing, that workers will want to move into and call home.”
Richard Whitehouse, director of Hanehouse Developments, added: “On behalf of John Heath of Great Hampton Street Button Works Limited, the developer, we are delighted with the completed project.
“It has delivered what we were seeking to achieve – a high-quality restoration and conversion of a fabulous historic building that will leave a legacy for years to come. We very much hope the new residents will enjoy living there.
“Our initial vision for the building has been exceeded by the delivery and it has been a pleasure to work with the Mayor, his team at the WMCA and all the professionals who have delivered the finished scheme.
“All the consultants, the contractor, sub-contractors and suppliers who worked on this building are all based within 15 miles – making this a true Birmingham project.
“Having worked on this building we and John Heath are already looking at new opportunities on similar projects across the region and believe we can replicate the success of Great Hampton Street Works.”
