Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital have sumbitted plans to transform the four-acre AE Harris site in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.

The plans involve building a mixed-use scheme of more than 320 new apartments and circa 100,000 sq ft of commercial space, creating a new gateway hub in the Jewellery Quarter.

The £125 million scheme is bounded by Newhall Street, Graham Street, Brook Street, James Street and Northwood Street. The development, called St Paul's Quarter, has been master-planned and designed by award-winning architects Glenn Howells and comprises 20 individual buildings of between two and five storeys.

Two Grade II listed buildings at the site – 109 Northwood Street, the former Harper's Hill Works, and a neo-Georgian factory on the corner of Newhall Street and James Street – will be preserved.

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The development partners are proposing to retain a further two buildings considered to be of architectural merit: 123 Northwood Street, which extends to Regent Place, and 128 Northwood Street.

Stephen Conway, chairman of Galliard Homes, said: "The Jewellery Quarter is one of Birmingham's best assets. Our plans will create a new animated hub in the area where people can live, work and play.

"As well as new homes, the scheme's ground floor commercial space will provide opportunities for up-and-coming independent bars and restaurants, whether that’s local heroes or brands new to the city. We are also keen to support jewellers and artists by providing affordable retail and business space. Community leaders have also told us of the need for event space in the Jewellery Quarter. This is something we will look to incorporate."

Gerard Nock, chairman at Apsley House Capital, added: "We are thrilled to have secured the AE Harris site and have some exciting plans to transform this under-utilised industrial area.

"The Jewellery Quarter became increasingly industrialised from the 1960s onwards, but prior to that most people working in the area would have lived there too. It will be great to see this important gateway site returning to its roots, with more than 500 people living here.

"We have spent the last year consulting with the local community and the city council to ensure we have a scheme that will be both respectful of and regenerative to this historic area. The opportunity to improve access from the city centre has been particularly welcomed."

(CM)