UK: Watkin Jones has reached practical completion on the first phase of its 551-bed BTR scheme in Sherlock Quarter, Sherlock Street, Birmingham.
The first phase, consisting of 125 units, was delivered by Watkin Jones on behalf of Get Living and is part of a broader six-building development set to be completed later this year.
Sherlock Quarter (formerly known as Maker’s Yard) is built on a former brownfield site and provides a mix of high-quality one, two and three-bedroom apartments for rent and with 27 affordable homes in this phase. The development is located just 500 metres from the iconic Bull Ring shopping centre, right in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.
The project incorporates sustainable design features including, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (‘SuDS’). The scheme also includes charging points for electric cars and ample bicycle storage for residents, supporting sustainable local transport. Additionally, the development is set to achieve a BREEAM “Very Good” rating and Level 3 HQM rating, in addition to WiredScore Gold.
Richard Harris, managing director – group delivery at Watkin Jones, said: “We are pleased to announce the practical completion and handover of the first phase of Sherlock Quarter, a key component of a larger Build-to-Rent (BTR) development, to our client, Get Living. This new development helps to address the housing shortage in Birmingham, and in partnership with Get Living, we have successfully delivered the first sustainable rental homes in Sherlock Quarter, providing residents with long-term value.”
Rick De Blaby, CEO of Get Living, added: “It’s brilliant to see the progress made by Watkin Jones at Sherlock Quarter. This milestone marks the beginning of a handover process which will see us deliver 551 high-quality new rental homes for Birmingham, 47 of which will be affordable, alongside new shops and public realm for all to enjoy. Schemes such as this not only directly address the housing shortage being felt across the country, but also support growth and prosperity across one of the UK’s greatest cities. We are looking forward to welcoming our first residents later this year as we become long-term stakeholders, making a positive contribution to this vibrant, fast-paced city.”
