mac-group appointed to deliver £8m Birmingham residential scheme

West Midlands-based construction company mac-group has been appointed to build a new £8m residential development in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter – its second in just over 12 months.

The Pressworks, 34-44 Northwood Street, will be built on the site of the former Pressworks, part of which is Grade II listed and dates back to the 1800s.

Northwood Birmingham Limited appointed Solihull-based mac-group to develop the site, which will comprise 48 one- and two-bedroom apartments over three and four storeys. The listed terracotta building will be converted into three apartments, with a duplex mews apartment situated within another retained building at the rear.

Ray O’Sullivan, director of mac-group, said an historic press from the site will also be retained and displayed as a feature in the internal courtyards.

“Following our appointment to deliver the Photographic Works in Camden Street earlier this year, we are pleased to have been contracted to deliver another fantastic residential scheme in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. This promises to be a high-quality conversion and new build that reflects the vibrancy of the area.”

The new development at Pressworks will be constructed using a lightweight steel gauged frame, with metal deck and concrete floors. External façade features will include red brickwork to match that of the Grade II listed building, which will be cleaned and repointed.

Courtyard elevations will also have a mix of zinc and timber cladding, while dark grey, aluminium-framed, Crittall-style windows will be installed to the new sections of the development. Existing timber windows to Northwood Street will be replaced with like for like.

Glen Cohen, director of Northwood Birmingham Limited said: “We are excited and looking forward to developing this scheme of 48 unique high specification luxurious apartments.

“With our company’s experience in producing new build homes and the restoration of historic buildings, everything we do and every decision made is underscored by our passion and respect for the heritage of this building and long-term commitment to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

“The quality of the materials used by the previous occupiers and the Grade II listed parts of our site have informed our palette for the residences at The Pressworks.”

Work is expected to be completed in Q1 2023.

SD Structures will undertake the structural engineering, while architect is Scapolan Burney.