Maguire Jackson

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OLD BIRMINGHAM PROVING MORE POPULAR THAN EVER - June 2007

A desire for traditional, character properties is helping to make Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter one of the most sought-after city centre locations, according to Philip Jackson from specialist estate agency Maguire Jackson.

He says more buyers are looking for properties that stand out from an increasing number of often standard looking new build apartments and offices.

“Birmingham’s property boom has seen some really commendable projects where old buildings have been given a new lease of life,” he explains.

“But the feedback we’re getting from buyers is that they are looking for more than just a typical apartment in any development.

“There are seemingly plenty of character properties out in the suburbs and beyond but if you’re a discerning buyer who also wants the convenience of living in the city centre, it can be a struggle to find something that ticks all the boxes.

“However, take Milton Place (30-31 Tenby Street) in the Jewellery Quarter – it’s the perfect example of how older, sometimes neglected buildings can be transformed into properties that really capture the imagination of prospective buyers.

“It was originally built in the 1830s and is a typical Jewellery Quarter property of that era. The properties originally comprised two handsome, three-storey townhouses with the later addition of two storey workshops at the rear.

“Originally this would have comprised living accommodation at the front and ‘shopping wings’ at the back. Then from the turn of the twentieth century they probably had workshops throughout when the Quarter was at its busiest and people started moving out to the suburbs.

“A passageway running between the buildings allows access to each property as well as to the communal courtyard – these are known as three-quarter back houses.

“These buildings are in fact unique – from the front there were originally separate lettings shops which could be accessed directly from a staircase leading from the pavement. There’s nothing like them in the rest of Birmingham.

“Ross McMillan from Cedar Homes UK Ltd took these properties on two years ago and recently completed their conversion. It’s been a labour of love but it’s paid off because the interest has been phenomenal and two of the four properties have already been purchased.”

The buildings are Grade II listed & in the ‘Industrial Middle’ of the Jewellery Quarter Conservation area which means certain consents are required before any development work can be carried out. In respect of planning issues, there is a presumption against residential development as stand alone work in order to preserve the Quarter’s heritage.

Richard Hudson, conservation architect at Birmingham City Council, oversaw the conversion of Milton Place. He explained why it is important that the development of such buildings is carefully controlled:

“This particular conversion has been sensitively carried out by Cedar Homes. They’ve managed to create a building that’s fit for modern purposes, but which still has historic authenticity and is faithful to the Jewellery Quarter’s proud manufacturing past.

“It’s not been an easy project but these are historically important buildings for Birmingham and it’s crucial they reflect the history of the area while still being fit for live and work purposes,” he added.

Special buildings in fact unique – from the front there were separate lettings shops accessed from a staircase leading from the pavement.

Philip Jackson said all four properties have a live/work consent, with working areas zoned on the ground floor and one to three bedrooms plus living rooms upstairs:

“In this particular location, outright residential use is very sensitive and will not get planning consent. These units are proving of real interest to the new wave of owner-occupiers we are seeing locally. Live/work freeholds are rare and consequently increasingly popular.”

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