Birmingham-based property developer – Cordia Blackswan – working in partnership with Rainier Developments Limited has taken the next step in its regional growth journey with the acquisition of its first site in the Digbeth area of the city. Cordia’s involvement in the project represents a significant amount of inward investment into Birmingham.
The 1.89-acre site – which was originally acquired by Rainier Developments – is located between Moseley Street and Moseley Road. Cordia Blackswan and Rainier have been working together to bring forward plans for an exciting Build to Rent scheme in this cultural hub.
The development has received full planning consent from Birmingham City Council, and Cordia Blackswan will be refining the proposals to add their character and individual style.
“It has been a pleasure working with Cordia Blackswan with whom we have shared values in investing in the Midlands region with exciting brownfield led regeneration projects that provide much need new homes including affordable homes for the Midlands region. We are very excited to see this project being delivered which, upon completion will be one of the first Build to Rent schemes of significant scale in the Digbeth area.”
Richard Mees, Chief Executive, Rainier Developments
The new Build to Rent scheme will include 366 apartments – a mix of one, two and three bedroom units in two ‘u’-shaped blocks of five and eight storeys. The development will be set around landscaped public realm. Residents will benefit from shared amenities, including a resident’s lounge and concierge service, with high quality private outdoor spaces including courtyards and balconies.
Cordia Blackswan’s ethos is to think ‘outside the red line’ of their site boundaries – considering the impact that developments will have on the surrounding environment and existing communities.
“For our first development in Digbeth, this great scheme is ideal and large enough for us to create our own placemaking opportunity. We have built an excellent relationship with Rainier and their team who have done an excellent job in securing the site and bringing forward the proposals.
“With great design potential to build on, we will now supplement these consented plans with additional amenities space to provide a better quality of living to all residents. We will be adding our own design and style, ensuring the building quality, spaces and every apartment are finished to the high standards that are synonymous with Cordia Blackswan.
Marcus Hawley, Managing Director, Cordia Blackswan
Following Cordia Group’s acquisition of Blackswan Property in 2020, Cordia entered the UK market as Cordia Blackswan and outlined an ambitious expansion strategy for the UK – as the group continues to maintain its market leading position in Hungary and strengthen its presence in Poland, Romania and Spain.
To date, Cordia Blackswan’s activity has been centred on the redevelopment of redundant and under-utilised sites in Birmingham city’s Jewellery Quarter, where they are looking to deliver nine developments. Recently, the company also unveiled plans to improve Birmingham’s Great Hampton Street, where the Lamp Works Build to Rent scheme is being constructed.
From the transformation of the 19th Century Gothic pub and adjoining factories into beautiful apartments for owner/occupiers, to the Bradford Works shared-living scheme and Lamp Works Build to Rent development, Cordia Blackswan aims to deliver outstanding living spaces that meet market demand while retaining and enhancing period features.
Beyond its Jewellery Quarter placemaking agenda, the company is keen to support Birmingham’s growth and development more broadly – and this latest acquisition in Digbeth signals the next step in Cordia Blackswan’s journey of ambitious growth.
Digbeth, which is renowned as a centre for creativity, diversity, and enterprise is adjacent to Birmingham City Centre and is home to the Custard Factory, Fazeley Studios and The Bond.
“The Birmingham residential market is currently strong, displaying great resilience that has placed it ahead of regional and national growth rates, aligning perfectly with Cordia Blackswan’s expansion plans. Digbeth is one of the city’s up-and-coming locations with an undersupply of good quality accommodation and latent demand.
“While its proximity to the city centre, great evening economy and existing transport already make it an appealing destination, we hope that adding some of our innovation and design flair to this exciting neighbourhood will be able to enhance the overall residential offer and the place.”
Marcus Hawley, Managing Director, Cordia Blackswan
