Latest news with #JewelleryQuarter
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
New flats spark fears for Birmingham Jewellery Quarter's heritage
Plans to build more than 400 flats in the heart of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter have been recommended for approval, amid a row over the demolition of two industrial are seeking permission to build 422 apartments across four blocks, with residential courtyards and business space.A previously-approved scheme for the site had sought to retain 123 and 128 Northwood Street, but was "undeliverable" and no longer financially viable, a council report Jewellery Quarter Development Trust has objected to the revised plan and describes the proposed demolition of the buildings as "unacceptable and unnecessary", arguing they are key to the conservation area. Keeping buildings 'not viable' If approved next week, the development would take shape on land close to Newhall Street and St Paul's council report noted both buildings, dating to the early 20th Century, were "characteristic of the Jewellery Quarter's industrial history", but said: "It is no longer economically viable to retain them."Demolishing the buildings presented an opportunity to "deliver a viable, largely new-build scheme", the report said while the buildings were considered to be locally significant, they added: "Their complete loss would not in itself make the overall scheme substantially harmful."The proposed scheme, the report continued, provided "a significant amount of commercial floorspace", supporting the economic "vitality" of the area with space for creative and local concluded there were enough benefits, including regeneration of an important site and housing, to outweigh limited one, two and three-bed apartments would contribute towards the city's need for new housing, the report said, adding that the plan presented "an opportunity to unlock this otherwise unviable site for redevelopment".The proposals will be considered by Birmingham's planning committee on Thursday. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
16-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Hockley Social Club in Birmingham to close at end of year
A street food, music and events venue in Birmingham is to close five years after being launched as a "hybrid food hall" during the Social Club will stop operating on 31 December after "five glorious years" during which it had become "a space for everyone", said Digbeth Dining Club (DDC) which created and ran the venture. The firm said it was the "natural end" to the project, which had brought a wide range of food, culture, music and community events to the warehouse in the city's Jewellery Quarter. It said the majority of Hockley Social Club jobs would be protected, with roles deployed to other parts of the business. DCC added it would hold six months of "farewell" events ahead of the closure. Hockley Social Club had begun as a "click and collect" concept during the Covid lockdowns in 2020. "This phase effectively saved DDC's business when we lost our Digbeth home, and were deemed not suitable for public crisis funding during the pandemic," a spokesperson said. 'We dug deep and pivoted many times, finally landing on a hybrid food hall and event space, a brand-new concept for the city."However, the firm added that after an "incredible journey" it was time to close the warehouse project and focus on other initiatives including DDC touring. "The natural end to our five-year project in this beautiful warehouse in the 'wrong part of town' has arrived," a statement said. 'We close the doors to Hockley Social Club (HSC) on Wednesday 31 December 2025, and take with us memories of events, nights, meals, and performances that will last a lifetime." DCC said over the past five years, the venue had welcomed more than 500,000 people and hosted more than 5,000 events, including performances from artists including Birmingham Royal Ballet and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
08-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
What new World Craft City award means for Birmingham's jewellers
Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter has sat nestled next to the city centre creating some the worlds finest jewellery for 250 years, but has done so quietly it seems."As jewellers we don't shout out about our work", says Birmingham City University academic Rebecca Skeels. "The Jewellery Quarter still makes 40% of the jewellery that comes out of the UK."Now the city's global influence in jewellery making has been recognised with the award of World Craft City what does it mean for Birmingham, known as the city of a thousand trades, and it's 4,000 strong jewellery community? "This title means we really get to celebrate the history and future of the industry in the area."It's been here for over 250, years, through innovation of new things, like electroforming, plating and stone setting - particular skills that were developed and invented here," the jewellery lecturer Skeels said one reason for the established jewellery industry in the heart of the city is due to the Assay Office opening in Birmingham Assay Office is responsible for hallmarking, a system of grading, the quality of jewellery and metal work, and is one of four offices in the UK."The Assay Office encouraged a lot of trade in the area, so as the population of jewellers grew, that's how it got its name. As the industry steadily boomed, it brought with it a transformation of architecture. What are now shop fronts showcasing artisan jewellery were once the homes of jewellers who would craft work in their back Skeels said the reason many shops in the area still look like old houses is testament to the humble beginnings of many world-known jewellers and metalsmiths. "Lot of craftspeople were just setting up in their homes, with small factories developing in their houses."Whistle manufacturer ACME Whistles was founded in the Jewellery Quarter."Joseph Hudson set up in his house on a bench right here, that is something we don't shout about."Norma Banton, who runs MasterPeace Academy, said she hoped the international recognition would give exposure to the hidden histories."I'm excited for the next generation of jewellers and for the black jewellers because we need to raise our profile."She described how, historically, the talent and contribution of black people within the Jewellery Quarter had been overlooked by their time working in the factories during the post-war British Windrush added that it would give an opportunity to people who don't see themselves in the industry the belief they equally belong."We do need to raise our voices to let the world know that we're here, and let the next generation of jewellers know that this trade is really for them."The Jewellery Quarter is quiet affluent, yet surrounded by Handsworth, Hockley, Aston, Lozells and Ladywood, areas considered by some as more marginalised."I hope this will be the beginning of us as jewellers making the trade more accessible to those young people from the local community and let them know there are nurturing spaces for them to have successful careers," she said. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
