We all know that Birmingham’s iconic Jewellery Quarter is a mecca for tourists and jewellery lovers alike, but with a host of new developments it’s set to sparkle even more. The area is vital to Birmingham’s tourist industry whilst its continual development is central to the city’s regeneration plans, so just what can we look forward to?
The Hampton by Hilton Hotel
This beautiful £6.4million hotel was completed earlier this year, and it’s a shining example of sympathetic restoration combined with modern luxury. The hotel is situated on the site of a former textile factory and has actually kept a lot of the listed façade intact, ensuring the building is in-keeping with the rest of the area and retaining a bit of character too. That’s not to say guests won’t get the height of luxury – the 109-bedroom hotel is spread across five floors and boasts exceptional facilities including a 24-hour bar, restaurant and fitness centre, and it’s in a truly enviable location too.
A coffin factory becomes a museum
The keys to a former coffin factory were recently handed over to Birmingham Conservation Trust to be turned into a museum, breathing new life into this historic building and being a great tourist attraction too. The Newman Brothers Coffin Fitting Works was in operation for over 100 years, first coming into being when Queen Victoria was on the throne and finally closing in 1999, and the museum will give visitors the chance to step back in time. They’ll see how it was in its heyday, with machinery, coffin handles, shrouds, metal plates and linings all being on display, and it means this Grade II listed building can be properly restored to its former glory.
From Birmingham Mint to luxury flats
The historic Birmingham Mint is set to become home to luxury flats, and work is finally getting underway after plans stalled four years ago. The building was constructed in 1860 and continued to mint coins until a mere ten years ago, and at one time it was even the largest independent mint in the world – it’s a building with a pedigree, and luckily the developers are going to retain the beautiful façade to keep its Italianate style intact. This grand Grade II listed building will be transformed into six flats above offices, and although building work hasn’t yet begun (at the time of writing) we can’t wait to see the results.
Experience the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham
This historic area is transforming into a thriving urban village in its own right, and it’s no wonder it’s so popular with tourists and locals alike. Of course, all these new developments don’t detract from its heart – the Quarter is and always has been known for its jewellery, boasting some of the finest jewellers in Birmingham and the UK as a whole, and that’s set to continue. These regeneration projects will only add to the area, so if you’re looking for a new tourist destination or want to get your hands on some exquisite jewellery, make sure to head to the Quarter and experience this iconic part of Birmingham for yourself.