Plans for 28 flats, a gym and a shop on the corner of Cheapside in Digbeth

A six-storey block of 28 flats could replace a storage warehouse in Digbeth, under plans lodged with Birmingham City Council, adding more homes to one of the fastest-changing corners of the city centre.

The landowner, Admiral Asset Management, wants to demolish the building on the corner of Cheapside and Lombard Street to make way for the new residential block, according to the property news site Place Midlands.

Flats, a gym and a shop

The scheme, designed by JVBJ Architects, includes a first-floor gym for residents and a convenience store at street level, which would bring a new shop to the corner as well as new homes above it.

The architect said the option of converting the existing building was ruled out because of "significant" problems with its tall ceilings and the size of the flats it would produce, as well as the extra cost of removing several radio antennas from its roof.

A planning statement submitted with the application said: "These spaces would cost more to heat, contributing to high energy bills."

In keeping with the street

The design team says the height has been chosen to match its surroundings. The planning statement said: "The proposed six-storey scale takes its cue directly from the existing six-storey residential apartment block opposite the site, ensuring the development is proportionate to, and consistent with, the height and grain already established on this part of Cheapside, and accords with the scale identified for neighbouring sites in the Rea Valley Urban Quarter SPD."

The Rea Valley Urban Quarter is the council's plan for the area around the River Rea in Digbeth and Highgate, which sets out how former industrial land can become a new neighbourhood with homes, workspaces and green space along the river.

A specialist team

Farrow Walsh provided flooding and drainage advice for the project, AB Heritage prepared the heritage statements and ARBTech carried out land contamination reporting.

What happens next

This is a planning application, not an approval. The council's planners will consider the scheme, and residents and businesses can view the documents and comment on Birmingham's online planning portal under reference 2026/00589/PA.

If approved, the block would add to a wave of new homes in Digbeth, where former warehouses and workshops are steadily being replaced or converted as the area prepares for the arrival of HS2 at nearby Curzon Street. For people looking to live within walking distance of the city centre, it would mean more choice in a neighbourhood known for its creative spaces, independent food and drink and nightlife.