Located in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, the Vittoria Project involved the sensitive refurbishment of two significant Grade II listed buildings: Vittoria Works at 30-34 Vittoria Street and Unity Works at 36-46 Vittoria Street. Once important centres of the city’s industrial heritage, both buildings had stood vacant for more than 20 years and had deteriorated significantly.
The development brought these landmark buildings back to life, transforming them into 33 high-quality loft-style apartments with car parking and enhanced security, while retaining the architectural character that makes each building distinctive.
The project balanced the requirements of modern residential living with the careful conservation of historically important fabric. The development also supported the aims of the Jewellery Quarter Townscape Heritage initiative, helping to address the area’s conservation deficit and secure a sustainable long-term use for these architectural landmarks.
Vittoria Works (1866)
A three-storey painted-brick former jewellery works, distinguished by round-headed windows, stucco detailing and original iron glazing bars.
Unity Works (c.1865)
A three-storey red-brick former toolmaking works with an impressive 12-bay frontage, later extensions, an arcaded ground floor and a characteristic wagon archway.
The central challenge was to integrate the two adjoining sites into one practical residential development without losing their individual architectural identities. This required a carefully coordinated approach to access, circulation and building services within the tightly constrained setting of the Jewellery Quarter.
BSC Construction Group was appointed as principal contractor, coordinating and delivering the key fit-out packages through to completion. Close collaboration between the project team and specialist trades allowed new construction elements and services to be integrated sensitively around the retained historic fabric.
Detailed planning, sequencing and regular trade coordination were essential to minimise disruption, manage restricted access and maintain safe working conditions. The team adopted a flexible, problem-solving approach as concealed conditions were uncovered, while continuing to protect quality, heritage and fire-performance requirements.
Residential
Birmingham Jewellery District
£4M
12 months
2024
Main contractor
33 apartments
Scope of works
image gallery
By linking the two buildings while respecting their separate architectural character, the scheme improved access and usability and maximised the combined development value. The result is a coherent residential scheme that reads as one development without erasing the history of either building.
The completed project successfully returned two long-vacant listed buildings to active use and delivered characterful new homes in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. The refurbishment conserved important heritage details while providing the performance, comfort and security expected of contemporary apartments.
The Vittoria Project demonstrates BSC Construction Group’s ability to deliver complex urban refurbishments where modern performance standards must be achieved without compromising historic character. Our experience in façade installation, M&E integration, drylining and coordinated fit-out delivery enabled the team to respond effectively to the demands of this sensitive heritage scheme.
33
resiDential apartments
2
Grade II Listed buildings
£4m
project vaule
