This Victorian button factory in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is set for a radical transformation

A developer has bought an impressive former Victorian factory in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

Leading Birmingham commercial property agency Siddall Jones arranged the purchase of the Grade II*-listed building at 80-82 Great Hampton Street for Great Hampton Street Button Works Ltd. The imposing property was erected in around 1872 as a jewellery works and button factory, with three stories of high-quality red brick, painted stone and engineering brick dressings.

The building has further impressive pedigree as the architect who designed this was the same architect who designed The Council House for Birmingham City Council – Yeoville Thomason. The building has impressive moulded window sills on each floor, linked by a drip-mould string with stiff leaf and ornate dragon carved stops, a deep cornice and parapet, and a steep gable end roof.

The Grade II-listing by Historic England states that the property has: “Quite unaltered works elevation in Birmingham Gothic of the 1880s and now a rare survival on this scale.”

The sale of the building came with planning permission for it to become 29 luxury apartments. The factory was most recently owned and operated as a clothing wholesale business, the property is also locally known as the Boston Clothing building, due to its current signage.

Ryan Lynch, associate director at Siddall Jones, explained that the planning permission granted to Great Hampton Street Button Works Ltd is for a mix of one and two-bedroomed units. He said: “We are delighted to have been involved with the acquisition of this building and are excited to see a development of exceptional quality come to fruition.”

The Listed Building Consent obtained allows the conversion of the existing property into 29 residential apartments, with new dormer windows to the front, a gantry staircase and landscaping to the internal courtyard. The permission includes refurbishment of the exterior, including some replacement windows and removal of staircases, removal of internal staircases, new partition walls, new mezzanine floors and some demolition and repair works.

Richard Whitehouse of Hanehouse Development said: “It has been a pleasure to work with John Heath of Great Hampton Street Button Works in bringing forward this wonderful building and securing consent for its conversion to a high quality residential scheme. This secures its future, not only for the potential residents but also ensures this iconic and important building is here for many years to come for all to enjoy as they pass by – be it on foot, bike, scooter or car.”

The purchase of 80-82 Great Hampton Street was for an undisclosed amount from a private seller advised by FBC Manby Bowdler Solicitors, with Penningtons Manches Cooper acting on behalf of the purchaser.