Vittoria Street, Birmingham
Client: NVSM Properties
Contract value: £4 million
Contract start date: January 2023
Completion: January 2024
Project Scope: Refurbishment of existing building into 33 apartments
Located in the historic Jewellery Quarter, the Vittoria Project was an ambitious refurbishment of two significant Grade II listed buildings: Vittoria Works (30 - 34 Vittoria Street) and Unity Works (36 - 46 Vittoria Street). Once thriving hubs of Birmingham’s industrial past, these buildings were vacant for over 20 years and were in a state of severe deterioration. The project brought new life into these historic structures, transforming them into high-quality loft-style apartments while preserving their rich heritage.
Revitalizing Heritage
The development delivered 33 stylish apartments, complete with car parking and enhanced security features. It also aligns with the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Jewellery Quarter Townscape Heritage (JQTH) initiative to address the conservation deficit and restore these important architectural landmarks.
The Buildings
Vittoria Works (1866): A three-story painted brick structure originally serving as a jewelry works facility, featuring distinctive round-headed windows, stucco details, and iron glazing bars.
Unity Works (approx. 1865): A three-story red brick building originally built for toolmaking, showcasing an impressive 12-bay frontage with later extensions, arcaded ground floor, and characteristic wagon archway.
A Balanced Approach to Restoration
The main challenge lied in merging the two sites while maintaining their unique identities—a common issue in the tightly constrained spaces of the Jewellery Quarter. Combining these buildings while preserving their architectural integrity allowed for improved access and usability, maximizing the “marriage value” of the development.
Our Role and Expertise
BSC Construction Group was selected as the principal fit-out contractor and managed the complete transformation from concept to completion. Our team brings specialized expertise in working with heritage buildings, focusing on:
Façade Installation
M&E Systems Integration: Integrating modern systems in historic buildings while preserving heritage features.
Dry Lining: Delivering precise installations to meet both design and fire safety specifications.
Tackling Complex Challenges
Working within these historic, confined sites required a meticulous approach. We leveraged our experience with urban refurbishments to:
Coordinate effectively between trades, minimizing disruption in a busy city centre.
Maintain safety and quality standards, especially when handling sensitive heritage materials.
Adapt to evolving site conditions with flexibility and innovation.
Preserving the Past, Building the Future
Our commitment to quality and heritage preservation underpins the Vittoria Project’s success. The Vittoria Project is a testament to our ability to revitalize historic sites, creating modern communities.
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