We’ve been working on this project for a long time – in partnership with Rainier Developments Limited – and we are excited to announce Cordia Blackswan has taken the next step in its regional growth journey with the acquisition of its first site in the Digbeth area of the city.
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 centred on the redevelopment of redundant and under-utilised sites in the city’s Jewellery Quarter, where they are looking to deliver nine developments.
Discover Cordia Blackswan’s vision for Birmingham.
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 The 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.
Renowned as a centre for creativity, diversity and enterprise, Digbeth is adjacent to Birmingham City Centre and is home to the Custard Factory, Fazeley Studios and The Bond. Located between Moseley Street and Moseley Road, the 1.89-acre site was originally acquired by Rainier Developments, and 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.
Formed of 366 apartments, the development will feature a combination of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, in two ‘u’-shaped blocks of five and eight storeys, 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 impacts that developments will have on the surrounding environment and existing communities.
Marcus Hawley, managing director at Cordia Blackswan, said: “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.
“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.”
Cordia’s involvement in the project represents a significant amount of inward investment into Birmingham.
Richard Mees, Chief Executive of Rainier Developments added: “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.”
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