Planning approved for Phoenix Yard regeneration in Birmingham
AHMM scheme sits at the gateway to Digbeth
26 November 2025
Birmingham City Council has approved plans for the redevelopment of a 1.13-hectare site at the gateway to Digbeth, paving the way for a major mixed-use scheme designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) for Hartwell Plc.
The development, known as Phoenix Yard, will transform a former ironworks site into a mix of residential, commercial, education and creative sector space, as well as public realm improvements. The project includes four new buildings, ranging between three and seven storeys, and the retention of one listed building on the site.
The scheme will deliver approximately 260,000 square feet of space for creative industries, media, and education use, alongside retail and commercial floor space. A roof terrace offering city views, 240 new homes, and a range of public-facing amenities are also included.
Two of the new buildings will front onto Digbeth High Street, creating a defined entrance to the development and reinforcing the area's urban character. The remaining two buildings will be set back within the site, with a varied roofscape designed to complement views along the high street. A mix of retail, commercial units, and entrances at ground level is intended to support an active streetscape and link the site with the wider Digbeth area.
The project targets high environmental and digital performance standards, including BREEAM Excellent, WELL Certification, and WiredScore Platinum. A minimum 10% biodiversity net gain is also planned through landscaping and design interventions.
Hartwell Plc, which operates across the automotive and property sectors, is leading the development. The design by AHMM aims to respect the industrial heritage of Digbeth while contributing to its ongoing transformation as a creative and cultural district.
The approval of Phoenix Yard represents a significant step forward for the regeneration of Digbeth, an area undergoing rapid change through new investment, infrastructure upgrades, and creative-led development.
