Makers Place reaches practical completion, transforming landmark Birmingham site after 70 years

Located at the gateway between Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter and Colmore Business District, Makers Place has transformed the former Ludgate Hill car park site into a new residential neighbourhood, complete with commercial space, landscaped public areas and extensive resident amenities.

Developed by Moda in joint venture with Apache Capital and its investment partners Harrison Street and NFU Mutual, with construction delivered by Sisk, the neighbourhood marks the culmination of more than six years of planning, investment and construction.

The development builds on a longstanding partnership with Birmingham City Council to unlock the site and create a new connection between two of the city's most important commercial and cultural districts.

**A new chapter for a historic part of Birmingham
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Designed by Ryder Architecture, Makers Place comprises three buildings ranging from five to 39 storeys, creating a distinctive addition to Birmingham's skyline while responding to the character of its surroundings.

Lower-rise brick buildings reflect the historic streetscape of the Jewellery Quarter, transitioning into a more contemporary architectural style towards the Colmore Business District.

Alongside 722 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses, the neighbourhood provides more than 22,000 sq ft of commercial space, with the first two units already pre-let. New landscaped spaces and courtyards have also been introduced, helping create a more welcoming and connected environment at this important city centre gateway.

Bringing the site back into use has required close collaboration between the public and private sectors, with Birmingham City Council working alongside the development team on planning, design, highways and public realm to ensure the new neighbourhood makes a lasting contribution to the city.

The project secured planning consent in 2020, with construction beginning in April 2023 and the development topping out in June 2025.

**Creating opportunities beyond the development
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The benefits of Makers Place extend well beyond the new homes themselves, with significant opportunities for local employment, skills and training created throughout construction.

In total, 789 people were employed on the project for six months or more, with 56% living within 11 miles of the site. This included 57 people who had previously been unemployed for more than a year, while 39 apprentices completed their apprenticeships working on the development.

A further 362 people undertook training and professional development, alongside more than 1,500 hours dedicated to supporting young people into employment.

These achievements reflect the wider commitment of the project partners to ensuring that the regeneration of this long-vacant site delivers lasting benefits for Birmingham and its communities.

**Welcoming a new community to the Jewellery Quarter
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Makers Place is Moda's third operational build-to-rent neighbourhood in Birmingham and its second joint venture with Apache Capital in the city, following The Mercian.

With almost a third of its homes already reserved or occupied, the neighbourhood is welcoming residents into a professionally managed rental community with amenities including co-working spaces, private dining rooms, rooftop terraces, a cinema and fitness facilities.

Makers Place has also achieved Three-Star Fitwel certification, the highest rating available, recognising its focus on health and wellbeing.

Johnny Caddick, Chief Executive of Moda, said:

"Completing Makers Place is a huge milestone for everyone involved and something we're incredibly proud of. Seeing a brownfield site that stood undeveloped for more than 70 years transformed into a new neighbourhood in such a fantastic location is amazing, and a testament to the ambition, commitment and hard work of everyone involved.

"We've built a strong relationship with Birmingham City Council over many years, and Makers Place is a great example of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together to unlock challenging sites. I'm grateful to everyone who has played a part in bringing us to this point and look forward to seeing Makers Place grow into the thriving community it was designed to be as more residents make their home here with us in the Jewellery Quarter."

With construction complete, Moda's focus is now on welcoming more residents and establishing Makers Place as part of the existing Jewellery Quarter community.

Discover Makers Place and explore available homes here.