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	PLANNERS GIVE GREEN LIGHT TO ST PAUL’S SQUARE HOMES	PRESS RELEASES

Chord Homes has been given the green light to build 177 apartments in St Paul’s Square, Birmingham.

The new development, St Paul’s Place, will be the biggest residential development in the historic square, and will breathe new life into a derelict factory fronting the eighteenth century St Paul’s Church.

Planners from Birmingham City Council gave the £35million scheme its seal of approval at its December meeting.

Artist’s impression of the St Paul’s Square façade of Chord Homes’ 177 apartment St Paul’s Place development.

The 177 apartments will include a range of studios, one and two-bed apartments and two penthouses, set around two spectacular internal courtyards.

In addition to the residential space the scheme will include 16,570 sq ft of office accommodation. 146 secure car parking spaces are planned, for use by residents and commercial occupiers.

The 0.77 hectare/1.9 acre site fronts St Paul’s Square, in the Jewellery Quarter, and is bounded by Northwood Street, Caroline Street and James Street. Pedestrian access will be off St Paul’s Square, with vehicular access to each of the three other aspects.

The scheme was designed by Chord’s in-house team and will combine the character of a period building set in an historic square, with cutting-edge architecture and interior design.

The St Paul’s Square frontage will incorporate the former Thomas Walker building and overlooks the church. Although not listed, the 1920s red brick façade of the former buckle manufacturer is to be retained by the developer, as it is in keeping with St Paul’s Square and is typical of the Jewellery Quarter’s industrial architecture. A former scrap metal yard and vacant industrial premises at the rear of the development will be demolished to make way for the scheme.

There will be two private courtyards at the heart of the scheme, featuring sleek modern glass and a state-of-the-art lighting scheme. The gardens will be accessed via a footbridge from the underground car park, or from the marble entrance hall off St Paul’s Square. There will also be a 24/7 on site concierge service.

Geoff Shuttleworth, director at Chord Homes, said: “As a Jewellery Quarter based developer with a number of schemes in the area either underway or in the pipeline, we are passionate about the area’s renaissance.

“We are committed to bringing the latest in contemporary design and build to the Jewellery Quarter, while respecting the area’s character and heritage.

“St Paul’s Square is a superb location – its tranquil setting belies the easy access it provides to Birmingham city centre. A five minute walk will take you to the heart of the city’s business district, a further three minutes will take you to the Bullring. With the canal system just a stone’s throw away and the attractions of Brindleyplace and the Mailbox also within easy reach, it has to be one of the best residential addresses in the city.”

The scheme has been welcomed by Cllr. Ken Hardeman, Birmingham City Council cabinet member for regeneration.

He said: "This development will be a major boost for our city's unique Jewellery Quarter. It preserves the character of the conservation area while adding a modern dimension to the city living element. And retaining the most historically important element of the Thomas Walker factory is a great bonus."

Chord has committed to spend £60,000 to improve lighting in St Paul’s Square, and to install CCTV.

Chord Homes has worked with the Royal Bank of Scotland to deliver the scheme. The joint venture partners are currently on-site on another Jewellery Quarter development. JQ1, on the corner of Newhall Street and George Street, comprises 43 apartments, more than half of which have sold off-plan a year ahead of the scheme’s completion.

Work is anticipated to start on St Paul’s Place in March 2006, with the apartments ready for occupation from April 2008.

The apartments will be priced from £125,000 – £900,000, with office accommodation from £250 per sq ft/£2,500 per
sq m.

06 DECEMBER 2005

PLANNERS GIVE GREEN LIGHT TO ST PAUL’S SQUARE HOMES

PLANNERS GIVE GREEN LIGHT TO
ST PAUL’S SQUARE HOMES