Major revamp of Jewellery Quarter landmarks nears completion
THE renovation of two Grade-II listed buildings in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is just weeks away from completion.
The near 200-year-old Reliance Works building, in Caroline Street, is being transformed into nine one and two-bed apartments and a commercial unit.
The site was formerly home to Pickering and Mayell’s jewellery case making plant for almost 100 years until 2012 when the business merged with the Talbot group and vacated the premises.
Harris Lamb was granted permission to convert the building into residential use in 2019 on behalf of Reliance Works Ltd - the residential arm of student accommodation provider CityBlock.
So far work has been carried out to replace the roof and overhaul the existing windows to ensure the building is water tight and the fit-out of the apartments has now begun. The project is on track for completion by March.
Paul Wells, director at Harris Lamb, said: “Reliance Works Ltd’s considered and meticulous approach to working with the historic character and value of the building meant that Birmingham City Council approved the plans to secure the long-term future of the properties, and we have been delighted to oversee these works.”
Paul added: “We have found this a wonderful project to manage.
“The Grade-II status of the buildings, which date back to 1826, means we have taken care to be very sensitive to their heritage throughout the conversion process.
“It has been essential to retain as many existing original features as possible during the conversion in order to preserve the character of these beautiful buildings.”