Plans submitted for £165m Birmingham canal side regeneration

Over 750 homes could be built on a derelict site on Birmingham’s Main Line Canal after £165m plans were submitted.

Partners Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital are behind the residential-led, mixed-use scheme, which includes 756 new homes as well as about 10,000 sq ft of commercial space at the Soho Loop site.

The plans also include the creation of new public realm, parks and gardens, and shared amenity spaces.

The scheme, which is called Soho Wharf, is located on an 11.7-acre site on Dudley Road, opposite Birmingham City Hospital, and is bound by Spring Hill and Western Road, and the Main Line Canal.

The Soho Wharf site was originally partially occupied by a large glasshouse in the late 18th century and was known as Park Glass House and the site forms part of the Greater Icknield Masterplan, the largest brownfield housing-led redevelopment framework within Birmingham.

The building was constructed by Isaac Hawker, a local glasscutter, to transport his glass products along the canal but the glassworks were demolished in the 1870s and replaced by silverworks.

Stephen Conway, executive chairman of Galliard Homes, said: ‘Soho Wharf is one of the most exciting regeneration opportunities in Birmingham, transforming what is currently a derelict industrial site, just a short walk along the canal from the city centre, into a thriving residential community and local hub for leisure and lifestyle amenities for the public.

‘As one of the most anticipated mixed-use schemes in the city we are excited to be bringing our placemaking and regeneration expertise to such an important site and helping to deliver on the council’s ambitions to create more homes and attractive places to live for the people of Birmingham.’

Gerard Nock, chairman of Apsley House Capital, added: ‘Soho Wharf is a vital piece in the Birmingham development puzzle, helping to unlock the Greater Icknield Masterplan and bring forward the long overdue regeneration of this area of the city.

‘Given the site’s historical context and its importance to the future redevelopment of Greater Icknield, we have consulted extensively with both local stakeholders and the city council to ensure we are delivering a scheme that not only enhances the area but provides the right mix of homes, commercial space, amenities and public realm.’