The Glasswater Locks apartment project in Birmingham has celebrated its topping out ceremony.
- This canalside redevelopment is transforming a three-acre brownfield site with 762 apartments.
- Amenities include resident facilities, public spaces, and extensive commercial accommodation.
- The development features six blocks, including the 37-storey Glasswater Tower.
- A successful local jobs initiative has facilitated training and employment for over 170 individuals.
The Glasswater Locks development in Birmingham has recently marked a major construction milestone with a topping out ceremony, indicating that the project has reached its highest structural point. This development is situated on a three-acre brownfield site adjacent to the Digbeth Branch Canal, and is being spearheaded by the housebuilder St Joseph. The project is set to deliver a mixed-use community led by a formidable offering of 762 apartment units.
This ambitious project is not only residential but also incorporates an array of amenities designed for residents and the general public. Among these are newly designed public spaces and 20,000 square feet of commercial space. The canal’s banks have been refurbished to accommodate new pedestrian and cycle routes, enhancing the connectivity and integration of the development with the surrounding area, thereby boosting its appeal.
The Glasswater Locks is comprised of six uniquely structured blocks, with the centrepiece being the Glasswater Tower which rises to 37 storeys. This aspect of the project contributes a significant element to the Birmingham skyline, marrying aesthetic modernity with urban functionality.
Integral to the success of this development is a robust local jobs and skills programme. Collaborating with The Skills Centre, Birmingham City Council, and West Midlands Combined Authority, St Joseph has prioritised community engagement through the provision of training and apprenticeship opportunities. This has resulted in accredited training for 122 individuals and the employment of 51 local residents, which is a noteworthy achievement that aligns with broader economic efforts.
Piers Clanford, the chairman of St Joseph, part of the Berkeley Group, commented on the positive impact the development has had on local employment and skills: “I am proud of the employment and skills achievement which to date has supported 122 people with accredited training and 51 local people into paid employment.” His statement underscores the project’s role in revitalising the brownfield site, further emphasised by the celebratory atmosphere at the topping out ceremony.
The Glasswater Locks project is a testament to successful urban regeneration, optimising residential, commercial, and community interests.
