Transforming a historic warehouse into a vibrant mixed-use development

Efficient construction techniques

To streamline the construction process and mitigate site constraints:

• Phased handover: The six interconnected apartment buildings and commercial units were strategically delivered in phases over six months, enabling early fit-out activities and maximizing the client’s return on investment.
• Off-Site construction: Components were prefabricated where possible to reduce on-site traffic and construction timelines while enhancing quality control.
• Material innovation: The project incorporated approximately 800,000 bricks and 14,000 cubic meters of concrete, ensuring durability and alignment with the site’s aesthetic and functional requirements.

Overcoming site challenges with innovative geotechnical solutions

The Hockley Mills project faced significant challenges due to its steep, uneven topography and the presence of historic structures. By Leveraging in-house geotechnical expertise, the team developed an earthworks and foundation strategy that optimised the local sandstone strata. This approach not only reduced the need for off-site material transportation, minimising environmental impact, but also delivered considerable cost savings.

Navigating proximity constraints

With the site located near active Network Rail services and major highways, stringent regulatory approvals were required for Temporary Works. These included Network Rail checks and Birmingham City Council Approvals in Principal. McAlpine Design Group (MDG) provided essential support throughout the project lifecycle, assuming additional responsibility for Permanent Works due to design team changes. Their contributions included:

• Temporary Works: Tower crane base designs and associated Network Rail submissions.
• Temporary Works: Arch wall support systems, including Approvals in Principal submissions.
• Temporary Works: Construction methodologies for pile caps near the historic masonry tunnel.
• Permanent Works: Design of access to Jewellery Quarter Station, public realm enhancements, and assessments of post-tensioned slabs.

Integrating heritage with modern design

The site’s historic masonry tunnel, dating back to the 1800s, originally supported the Goods Shed and facilitated rail connections. MDG’s designs seamlessly integrated modern infrastructure while preserving the site’s heritage. Key technical solutions included:

• Public Realm Staircase and Podium
  MDG designed a staircase and podium that bridged street level with the Jewellery Quarter Station, enhancing accessibility and public realm aesthetics.
• Existing Tunnel Foundation Strengthening
  To support increased loads above the masonry tunnel, MDG implemented a Pali Radice solution. This method strengthened the foundations by installing diagonal cast in-situ piles beneath the existing structure, avoiding the need to expose the original foundation. The approach reduced the scope of Temporary Works and minimised disruption to the historic structure.
• Core 12 Construction & Temporary Works
  The Core 12 pile cap, located adjacent to the tunnel, presented complex construction risks. MDG’s propping scheme ensured the tunnel remained unaffected while delivering a solution that saved £100k compared to the original design.

By addressing site constraints with precision and innovation, MDG not only preserved the site’s historical significance but also achieved modern engineering excellence.

Advanced design tools

At Hockley Mills, we embraced cutting-edge BIM technology to streamline design progression and enhance collaboration. Our use of BIM Dalux was key in transitioning designs from Stage 3 to Stage 4, ensuring we stayed aligned with the cost plan and enabling timely contract execution.

As part of the project, we trialled Dalux Field’s 360-degree image capture functionality. Using a simple, cost-effective Ricoh 360-degree camera, our site teams quickly captured high-quality images, each automatically time-stamped, geotagged, and synced to the Dalux Field platform. These images integrate seamlessly with our widely used Dalux Model Viewer, allowing teams to view and interact with project visuals remotely.

This process has been a huge success and is now available across all our projects, supporting a range of key applications:

• Site condition surveys – Creating a clear visual record of site conditions before and after work.
• Progress tracking – Offering accurate, real-time visual updates throughout the project lifecycle.
• Client communication – Enhancing transparency with easily accessible site imagery.
• Marketing and promotion – Showcasing project milestones with high-quality visuals.

By integrating Dalux’s 360-degree image capture with our digital workflows, we’re reinforcing our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and seamless collaboration.

Sustainability initiatives

• Material optimisation: The Hockley Mills / Goodsyard project maximises the use of local sandstone, reducing environmental disruption and supporting the local economy. This approach also lowers the carbon footprint by minimising transportation distances.
• Sustainable transportation: The development encourages low-carbon commuting with 395 bike racks and proximity to train and tram links, including a new entrance to the Jewellery Quarter train station. These features reduce car dependency and overall carbon emissions.
• Energy efficiency: The project incorporates high-performance insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and advanced heating and cooling systems. These measures ensure efficient building operation and reduced energy consumption, aligning with Legal & General’s sustainability goals.
• Green spaces and amenities: Landscaped communal gardens and a rooftop terrace provide residents with green spaces for relaxation and social interaction, enhancing the project's aesthetic appeal and resident well-being.
• Waste management: Comprehensive waste management practices, including recycling facilities and waste reduction strategies during construction, minimise the environmental impact and promote sustainable living.
• Community engagement: By redeveloping a brownfield site and offering high-quality housing and commercial spaces, the project supports local regeneration and fosters a vibrant community.

Client collaboration and impact

This landmark project exemplifies the value of close collaboration between stakeholders. Legal & General’s Build to Rent Fund and Access Development Partnership provided critical funding, while Sir Robert McAlpine’s expertise ensured successful delivery. The resulting development not only addresses Birmingham’s housing needs but also enriches the community with vibrant commercial and leisure spaces. It serves as a testament to innovative design, technical excellence, and sustainable urban development, harmonising the site’s industrial heritage with modern needs to contribute to Birmingham’s growth while preserving its historic character.