Developer operator Moda Living, and contractor John Sisk & Son break ground on Great Charles Street, a new pioneering Build to Rent neighbourhood in Birmingham – marking the start of the transformation of a site left undeveloped for over 70 years.
Before physically breaking ground on the site, guests were taken on a journey delving into the area’s rich background thanks to local historian Professor Carl Chinn MBE. The start of works was marked with a special ceremony paying homage to the area’s legacy of craftmanship. Moda Living unveiled a special metal engraving of the development, created by local business S&D, which will feature in the finished building.
Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, neighbourhood contractor John Sisk and Son and other key stakeholders attended the ceremony.
“Breaking ground on our second development in Birmingham is a huge milestone for us. The city is going through an exciting evolution and we’re proud to be part of its transforming skyline, as well as creating impact for the local jobs and skills market – it’s something we’ve been committed to since 2018 and will continue doing so for many years to come.
“The journey to starting work on this key central site has been a huge exercise in collaboration with Birmingham City Council, and I’m confident the result will be testament to what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work in true partnership. I look forward to continuing to work with the council, Sisk and our other stakeholders to deliver this new gem of a neighbourhood to the Jewellery Quarter.”
Tony Brooks, Managing Director, Moda
Due to open in 2025, the £302m Great Charles Street scheme will be developed on the former Ludgate Hill Car Park, in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. Designed in partnership with Ryder Architecture, scheme will deliver 722 new Build to Rent homes across three blocks spanning six to 39 stories. Residents will also benefit from breathtaking views across the city.
Amenities include resident sky lounges, roof terraces, cinema rooms, private dining rooms, co-working areas, a 24/7 gym fitness centre and concierge, and more. Great Charles Street will include new landscaped green spaces and public realm, as well as community amenities including shops and cafes.
Great Charles Street will target leading ESG certifications, following in the footsteps of Moda, The Mercian in Birmingham, the first residential building in the area to achieve a three-star Fitwel accreditation.
Aiming to create the happiest and healthiest communities in the UK, Moda Living is pioneering positive change in the UK rental landscape by designing, building and operating next generation spaces to live, work and play.
“The breaking of ground at the Ludgate Hill Car Park site opens another exciting chapter in Birmingham’s ongoing transformation, underlining our growing reputation as a place to live, work and invest. This is very much a team effort, and we are delighted to be working with Moda Living and Sisk to ensure that the people and businesses of Birmingham benefit from our ongoing success.”
Birmingham City Council Leader, Councillor Ian Ward
Great Charles Street has been backed by the largest deal for a Build to Rent project seen outside of London, with funding from Harrison Street, NFU Mutual and Apache Capital and a £188m development loan from Precede.
Delivery of Great Charles Street will add an estimated £92m of gross added value to the West Midlands, creating around 470 new jobs. Moda and Sisk will continue their successful Skills Hub partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which is already helping to maximise local employment and training opportunities across the West Midlands.
“It is so exciting to see the bomb site finally being developed after being left untouched since the Second World War. This will remove one of the blots on the city’s landscape, and continue the quite incredible transformation of the city centre.
“It is great too to not only see Moda Living and Sisk partner again after their efforts at The Mercian, but also to see they remain committed to working with us to continue our training programme together to ensure local employment is maximised through this development.
“Best of luck to the team, and I can’t wait to watch this project grow up from the ground.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands
This partnership, spear-headed with Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, established a training hub during the development of Moda, The Mercian – and has been operating since 2018. The hub has supported over 80,000 hours of work and 140 employment opportunities for local people – including seven apprenticeships – by offering construction training and a guaranteed job interview after completing a 20-day course.
By the end of Moda Great Charles Street’s construction, John Sisk & Son estimate that at least an additional 240,000 hours will have been completed by local people, from apprentices to graduates.
“Sisk is delighted to begin works with Moda Living on its Great Charles Street development. Our enduring relationship with Moda Living is founded on our capabilities and relevant experience in the high-rise residential sector across Birmingham and other major cities in the UK. The project will create a landmark entrance to the city centre and provides us with the opportunity to build upon our work with Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and our trusted Supply Chain to create training, jobs, and quality accommodation for the people of the West Midlands.”
Alan Rodger, Managing Director, John Sisk & Son
