This is how the grade II listed Button Works building in Jewellery Quarter may look soon

An application to build 29 brand new flats in an old button works factory in the Jewellery Quarter is to be decided next week.

The Button Works on Great Hampton Street could contain 20 one-bed and nine two-bed flats in the urban village of the Jewellery Quarter.

The grade II* listed building is currently occupied by the Boston Clothing Company but is vacant in other areas.

Its figure-of-eight shape means a central courtyard would be available to future residents.

First built in 1872, 80-82 Great Hampton Street was designed by prominent Birmingham architect H.R. Yeoville Thomason, who also designed the Council House and Singers Hill Synagogue.

The button factory would make items such as buttons, sleeve links, scarf pins and brooches.

Three of the 29 flats will be sold at discount market rent, equating to 10.3 per cent of the total number. Council policy requires developments with 15 units or more to provide at least 35 per cent of them as ‘affordable’.

Birmingham City Council received one letter of objection from a neighbouring business which complained about future residents potentially flicking cigarettes onto their property. Nonetheless, city planners have recommended the scheme for approval, set to be decided by councillors next Thursday (June 15).