A new planning application has been submitted to Birmingham City Council for Queen’s Hospital Close – a new mixed-use residential scheme in Birmingham. The application was submitted by Chapman Taylor alongside Turley, Stace LLP and Churchman Thornhill Finch, with proposals to deliver a scheme on the grounds of the former Birmingham Accident Hospital. Currently under review by the local authority, a decision is anticipated in early autumn 2023.
Plans include delivering an innovative blend of 759 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) bedrooms and 189 Build to Rent apartments. The scheme aims to revitalise the historic site while honouring its rich heritage, and to contribute to the vibrant urban fabric of the city.
The Queen’s Hospital Close buildings have been thoughtfully created as a family grouping, each with its own unique identity through variation in colour, gradually stepping up in height from east to west. The tallest building – at the junction of Bath Row and the Birmingham Old Line Canal – is the scheme’s landmark tower.
Plans also include the refurbishment of two remaining listed buildings – to ensure their preservation and activation. Set within these buildings will be communal facilities including a public café and gym.
Designed with a landscape-led approach, the site’s layout aims to transform the currently gated area into an inviting environment. It features a series of landscaped courtyards responding sensitively to the adjacent canal, and generous new public ream which will create a harmonious setting for the listed buildings.
There will also be a strong emphasis on connecting residents with the outdoors, enhancing their wellbeing and providing spaces for both active enjoyment and relaxation.
Sustainability lies at the core of the Queen’s Hospital Close project. There is a commitment to achieve BREEAM Excellent for the new buildings and Very Good for the listed buildings. The development also aims to minimise energy consumption and carbon emissions, through the implementation of a high-performance building envelope and efficient technical systems.
Ecology and biodiversity are woven through the site, with buildings carefully placed to allow retention of most of the existing trees – as well as being set back from the canal to provide an ecologically rich edge, preserving the Canal Wildlife Corridor.
