Plans for phase two of Queensgate Square have been submitted, which will transform the block on Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham, opposite The Mailbox, which currently comprises a 1950s office block and derelict car park into prestigious residences.

These new builds – two blocks, one of 15 storeys and another of 12 – will add 159 new luxury apartments to the Birmingham market. Over a third of the accommodation - 55 in number - will be affordable. Both luxury and affordable apartments will blend seamlessly with the only difference being the level of specification when you walk through the door. Subject to approval, works will start in early 2024.

The two new-build residential blocks will be set around a communal garden and square, which will be shared with residents of Queensgate House, representing phase one of Queensgate Square. Works are already underway on phase one, which will see an eight-storey 1950s office block transformed into 68 boutique apartments – studio, one, two and three-bedroom –  apartments. The accommodation will be available for rent (PRS) by mid-2024.

Designed by D5 Architects, the London-based developer behind the Queensgate Square scheme – The Riverlow Group – specialises in upmarket transformations. They recently acquired this, their first site in the Midlands[i], and submitted planning in early October.

Max Reisner, spokesman for The Riverlow Group says: “Despite all the recent economic turbulence, the investors we speak with regularly, wherever they are in the world, all know that Birmingham remains rich with investment opportunities. Aspirational apartments are always in high demand, especially for rent. We know we get it right because we know we’d love to live in our developments. That level of comfort is important when your neighbour is the Bond Street of Birmingham ie The Mailbox.”

The super-luxe apartments in the Queensgate development will feature high-spec, designer kitchens and bathrooms, all finessed with a natural pallet of mixed timbers, earthy tones and soft whites. The penthouses will have specifically-designed, live-work spaces.

Very much aimed at modern living, Queensgate Square will be rich with amenities. Residents will enjoy a luxurious sense of arrival as they – or their taxi – drives into a hotel-style, covered foyer for drop-off and pick-up, which will be accessed straight off Suffolk Street Queensway.

This foyer will lead into a furnished lobby and post room, as well as a colonnaded walk into the communal garden and entrance of the new building to the rear.

“Queensgate’s situation is particularly special,” says Max Reisner. “You’re right in the heart of the city centre, only a few minutes’ walk away from the high street, New Street and the under-construction HS2 rail station. The development will be car-free with ample secure bike storage. Why use a car when you have Michelin-starred restaurants on your doorstep and you can reach most places quicker by train? At the forefront of our design thinking has been how we’re all going to live more sustainably in the future. So we will have thick walls with high levels of insulation, which will minimise running costs, as will the large windows which will flood living spaces with all the wellbeing and environmental benefits of natural light. All in all, Queensgate Square will be a place where residents will build many happy memories.”