The redevelopment of a Grade II-listed building in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter into a spectacular mixed-use reimagining of an historic site is proving a major hit with buyers.
Davidson Estates was appointed to sell the six apartments and three townhouses in the Sydenham Place development, where three commercial units have already been let.
Three of the large two-bedroomed apartments have already been sold, as has the one large, single bedroomed apartment that has the quirky feature of the original jewellers safe inside.
Also sold is one of the two duplex penthouse three-bedroomed apartments, with the final remaining one currently getting strong viewing numbers.
Meanwhile, there are three to four bedrooms over four floors in the three townhouses at Sydenham Place, a development with a mezzanine south facing garden, a private under croft car park and a gated entrance.
Jonathan Smith, new homes sales and investment consultant at Davidson Estates, said: “This development by Urban Rise is a prime example of everything that is good about what is happening in the Jewellery Quarter these days.
“The Jewellery Quarter has changed dramatically over the past ten years, and with over 200 listed buildings in the area, it provides ample opportunity for imaginative and attractive redevelopments such as Urban Rise are undertaking at Sydenham Place.”
The development takes its name from Robert Sydenham, a well-known merchant who lived and worked in the Jewellery Quarter during his lifetime from 1848 to 1913.
His career started in the family general merchants where he took charge of the shipping department at the age of 20. Sent to America to broaden his education and help extend the export side of the business, he returned to Midlands in 1872 to help his older brother George set up a new wholesale jewellery business.
But it was his growing interest in horticulture that is his main claim to fame.
Mr Smith said: “What started in 1883 as a hobby and a relaxation from the pressures of running Sydenham Brother Ltd, grew into the largest retail bulb and Sweet Pea business in the UK.”
Such was his enthusiasm for his new business that he received many awards and he freely gifted bulbs to the City Parks of Birmingham.
As the bulb and seed business continued to grow, it became necessary to construct a new building incorporating warehouses and offices, and so 20 Tenby Street North was built on land adjoining the family jewellery business.
Mr Smith added: “Today Urban Rise, showing the same innovation and imagination as Robert Sydenham, has created a very special development that enhances the new look Jewellery Quarter.”
