Summary. The Hockley Mills development in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter celebrated a milestone with a topping out ceremony. The project, named Goodsyard, will offer 395 apartments, parking spaces, and commercial space. Social value is emphasised through grants to local organisations which is creating exciting progress for Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
The Hockley Mills site at 33 Pitsford Street, a major build-to-rent (BTR) development in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, marked a significant milestone with a traditional topping-out ceremony earlier this month.
The event drew site workers and senior representatives from the project’s key companies. Amongst the attendees were Hector McAlpine, Executive Partner of Sir Robert McAlpine, John Parnell, Project Development Director at Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures (SRMCV). Additionally, Mark Bessey, Regional Director Midlands at Sir Robert McAlpine, and Adam Russell, Residential Transactions Manager at Legal & General were also present.
Honoring Sir Robert McAlpine’s Scottish roots, a piper led guests to the building’s rooftop. There, they poured concrete and nailed an evergreen bough to the structure – a tradition dating back to Roman times for protecting buildings from evil spirits. Afterward, they exchanged a ceremonial tankard, celebrating “a job well done.”
Legal & General is funding the Hockley Mills development. Moreover, Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures secured the funding deal with Legal & General and appointed sister company Sir Robert McAlpine as the contractor.
Scheduled for completion in 2023, the scheme will be named Goodsyard. It will offer 395 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and a new Jewellery Quarter train station entrance. Not to mention, 116 car parking spaces, and 28,000 sq ft of flexible commercial space.
Recently, the project team invited nearby grassroots and charity organizations to bid for a £10,000 grant. After careful selection, they awarded funds to three projects promoting inclusion; whilst also supporting local communities, and fostering social value in the area
Dan Batterton, Head of Residential at LGIM Real Assets, said:
“It is always important to pause and recognise success. The topping out of Goodsyard gives us the opportunity to do just that. We congratulate the whole team on reaching this milestone and acknowledge the positive impact the development will have on the local neighbourhood. This is our second Build to Rent project in Birmingham and shows our continued commitment to the City and the sector.”
“This milestone is a perfect opportunity to celebrate our collaboration with Legal & General. It makes it possible to bring this exciting BTR development to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter and create social value for the local communities.”
John Parnell
Project Development Director at SRMCV
Mark Bessey, Regional Director Midlands at Sir Robert McAlpine, said:
“This topping out ceremony celebrates the great collaboration and technical excellence demonstrated by the development and construction teams. We are very proud of what has been achieved so far. We look forward to continuing our work with Legal & General to deliver this landmark development and boost the Jewellery Quarter area with contemporary, high quality accommodations and commercial facilities.”
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