Architects' new HQ to become Birmingham's 'greenest' mixed-use development » Environment » 24dash.com

Work has started on what will be Birmingham’s ‘greenest’ mixed-use development in the heart of the city’s historic Jewellery Quarter.

City architects PCPT is constructing its new headquarters at the Spencer Point development, along with 13 apartments aimed at the environmentally conscious buyer which, it is hoped, will be a benchmark for future city living schemes.

The apartments – which range from one bedroom flats to a penthouse – will include the infrastructure necessary to introduce the very latest energy saving technologies.

As a result, the building will be the first in the city centre to include affordable green engineering and future-proof technology features such as sun pipes to lobbies, heat transfer, stack and wind powered ventilation, rainwater recycling, solar panels and a green roof.

The company is aiming the development at younger, more environmentally conscious people with the aim of creating a thriving ‘community’ at Spencer Point.

Work is expected to be completed in November on the transformation of the former F Marson and Sons jewellery manufacturers at the junction of Spencer Street and Northampton Street.

David Mahony, Architect and Director of PCPT, said: “Spencer Point gave us an opportunity to not only create a sophisticated residential unit but also to incorporate some of the latest green technologies.

“The sort of people who want flats like these are also the ones who have one eye on environmental issues and we would welcome as our neighbours.

“But it’s important to remember that not only does this play its part for the environment, but it also helps to cut energy costs.

“We’ve had this kind of development in mind for some time but now it is particularly appropriate that we can start to pioneer this sort of development in Birmingham, setting the trend for others to follow.

“Spencer Point is our opportunity to reflect the practice’s commitment to design excellence and green issues.

“It is great to be able to take what was once used for one of the city’s most traditional industries and transform it into a housing development that will be a benchmark for future schemes.”

It is hoped that, once complete, the development will include its own pedestrian square – the Kathleen Dayus Square, in tribute to the Birmingham-born author.

It is hoped that this could be the final stage in a proposed Kathleen Dayus Trail around the Jewellery Quarter.

The company celebrates its 50th anniversary next year having been established in West Bromwich before moving to its current base in Vyse Street in the Jewellery Quarter.

The company employs 17 staff and turns over around £1,125,000,000 per year.

PCPT has a proud tradition of working on high-profile projects including the Phoenix Initiative in Coventry, Camden Village in Birmingham and the masterplan for the historic Far Gosford Street area in Coventry.

As well as most of the local authorities in the West Midlands, PCPT has also worked with Advantage West Midlands, the Environment Agency and private sector clients such as Hilton International and Calthorpe Estates.

For more information on Spencer Point visit www.spencerpoint.co.uk